Time course of catalase and superoxide dismutase during acclimatization and growth of micropropagated Calathea and Spathiphyllum plants

Catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were followed in leaves during ex vitro acclimatization and growth of micropropagated Spathiphyllum floribundum Schott `Petite' and Calathea louisae Gagnep `Maui Queen'. During acclimatization of both plants catalase activity increased, reaching a maximum 4 weeks after transplantation, while total superoxide dismutase activity increased with plant growth reaching a maximum in the 24th week. Variations in the pattern of catalase and SOD isoforms were observed; a second Mn-SOD band appeared in Spathiphyllum 12 weeks after transfer from in vitro, while in Calathea plants an additional Mn-SOD form was present from the second until the fourth week after transplantation. The observed changes reflect the plants' capacity to develop antioxidant mechanisms during acclimatization. These findings indicate that the adaptation of micropropagated plants to ex vitro conditions is more extended in time than generally accepted.