Ascorbic acid mitigates oxidative stress caused by fusilade herbicide in wheat plants

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of ascorbic acid in the mitigation of fusilade herbicide-induced oxidative stress in wheat plants. Various physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed, including contents of pigments, carbohydrates, protein, proline, total free amino acid, antioxidant enzyme activity (peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase), antioxidant metabolites (phenolic, flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide content, and lipid peroxidation levels). fusilade application resulted in chlorosis and yellowing of leaves and reduced pigment, carbohydrate, protein, proline and total free amino acid content. Moreover, fusilade treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation, by increasing malondialdehyde (43.3%) and hydrogen peroxide (23%) contents over the control. Under fusilade treatment, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities decreased, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were increased. Moreover, fusilade treatment had a deleterious impact on flavonoids, phenolics, and overall antioxidant activity. Results showed an enhancement in the content of pigments, carbohydrates, protein, proline, total free amino acid, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The combination treatment of fusilade and ascorbic acid decreased lipid peroxidation by 56% compared to that only treated with fusilade. Using ascorbic acid could be a good way to lessen the negative effects of oxidative damage from herbicides, which would increase plant resistance against fusilade stress