Role of Zinc Deficiency in Photosynthetic Pigments and Peroxidase Activity of Tomato Seedlings

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is occurring in different climate regions and almost in all countries. Zinc deficiency is a common micronutrient deficiency in plants and causes severe reductions in crop production. In this study the effect of zinc deficiency on pigment content and peroxidase activity in early growth phase of tomato seedlings was investigated. For this purpose, Hoagland solutions with or without zinc (ZnCl 2 ) were used as growth medium to determine the possible effects of zinc deficiency. In order to elucidate the physiological consequences of zinc deficiency; anthocyanin, carotenoid, and chlorophyll content and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured in roots, hypocotyls, and cotyledons of 8 day-old plants. Zn deficiency promoted anthocyanin and carotenoid accumulation in hypocotyl and cotyledon tissues of tomato seedlings. Furthermore, Zn deficiency enhanced peroxidase activity especially in the root and hypocotyl tissues of tomato seedlings.