Effects of Ca(NO₃)₂ on Rooting and Leaf Antioxidase Activities of Cuttings for Propagating Passiflora edulis×P. edulis f. flavicarpa

Effects of Ca(NO₃)₂ in varied concentrations on the rooting and activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves of Passiflora edulis P. edulis f. flavicarpa cuttings for the plant propagation were studied. The results showed that the application of 50 mg Ca(NO₃)₂/L significantly increased the count, fresh mass, and vitality of the roots per plant as compared to control. The activities of POD, SOD, CAT and APX in the leaves were also enhanced significantly, while MDA significantly reduced. It suggested that Ca(NO₃)₂ treatment at a proper dosage could promote rooting of the cuttings as a result from the increased antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased membrane lipid peroxidation in the leaves of the seedlings.