Hydrogen peroxide reduces sensitivity to aluminum in canola

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aluminum and the mitigating potential of H2O2 on the stress and antioxidant responses in canola (Brassica napus var. oleifera (Moench) Delile) affecting the emergence and initial growth of plants. Canola seeds, cultivar Hyola 61, were treated with different concentrations of H2O2 solution (0.0, 0.075, and 0.15 M), and later sown under different concentrations of aluminum (0.0, 10, 20, and 30 mmolc dm-3). After 20 days of plant emergence, survival and growth characteristics were evaluated. 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days after emergence, height, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and the activity of superoxide dismutase in the roots were determined. The canola is sensitive to aluminum, and the treatment of seeds with H2O2 0.15 M mitigated the stress caused by the highest dose of aluminum. H2O2 treatment enabled high emergence but did not favor seedling survival or growth. The H2O2 did not increase SOD activity. The chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristics proved the sensitivity of canola to aluminum, but the presence of H2O2 maintained the stability and functionality of photosystem II.