Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To study some physiological effects of strontium on Chinese cabbage and rape. METHODS:The Hoagland solutions of different strontium concentrations(0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mmol/L) were used to culture Chinese cabbage and rape. After 4 weeks, leaves were used to analyze chlorophyll content and activities of antioxidant enzymes, including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). RESULTS:Compared with controls, the content of MDA in treated Chinese cabbage decreased from the peak of 2 mmol/L of strontium (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between groups in rape (F=2.798, P>0.05). Also, no significant difference was found between the two vegetables (F=0.057, P<0.05). The activity of CAT, POD and T-SOD decreased first and then increased significantly (P<0.05). Chlorophyll content for the 14 d, 21 d, 28 d increased significantly over that of 7 d (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Strontium has strong influence on MDA, antioxidant enzyme and chlorlphyll of Chinese cabbage and rape.

Key words: strontium, Chinese cabbage, rape, antioxidant enzyme, chlorophyll