The effect of a nematicide on the ascorbate system during maturation of tomato fruits in the field

Abstract

Higher levels of ascorbate free radical (AFR) - reductase were found in the roots of the nematode resistant cv. Zenith and two inbred lines compared with the susceptible cv. Ventura. Soil treatment with the nematicide Di-Trapex had no effect on the activity of AFR-reductase. There was an increase in ascorbic acid content in unripe fruits from all the plants grown in nematicide - treated plots. The nematicide treatment possibly stimulated the biosynthetic activity of the plants and, consequently, of the AFR-reductase which led to the high levels of ascorbic acid in the fruits.