This study was investigated at the laboratories of Horticultural department,
Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University to measure the changes in
oxidative and antioxidative parameters during tomato fruit growth. Hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) and lipi
d peroxidation (MDA) contents were analysed as
indicators of oxidative processes. Results showed that H2O2 content decreased
during fruit growth phase and slightly increased during ripening, meanwhile
MDA content was found to increase only at the end of fruit ripening. The
activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX, CAT) were modified during fruit
growth. Activities of SOD, APX increased during fruit growth phase,
meanwhile CAT activity increased during fruit maturation. The level of
ascorbate increased during fruit growth. These changes in antioxidant
metabolites and enzymes establish that the antioxidant system plays an
important role in the both phases of tomato fruit growth.
