The present study describes carbohydrate metabolism, macro-element utilization and antioxidant defenses in response to an ozone dose (100 ppb, 8d) in two rice varieties. Tolerant (cv. Jinpumbyeo) and sensitive (cv. Chucheongbyeo) varieties of rice were grown in growth chamber for 30 days after sowing. Concentrations of chloroplast pigments and non-structural carbohydrates as well as activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined to evaluate the resistance against ozone stress. Ozone caused the decrease in chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents, and also resulted in faster decomposition of non-structural carbohydrate in leaf blade and leaf sheath. The contents of nitrogen and potassium in leaves were visibly decreased in cv. Chucheongbyeo with an increase in ozone exposure, but not in cv. Jinpumbyeo. Enzymatic antioxidants against ROS in both varieties responded in the order of POD, SOD and CAT, and their capacity was stronger in cv. Jinpumbyeo.

Germination characteristics and alterations in soluble sugar-starch transition and phytic acid during germination were studied in rice seeds under saline conditions. NaCl significantly reduced the speed of germination. Also, the radicle growth out of seeds was severely inhibited by the exposure to NaCl solution, thus, seeds were almost impossible to grow to seedlings. Soluble sugar was remarkably accumulated, whereas starch was decomposed stepwise during seed germination. The metabolism of soluble sugar and starch in germinating seeds showed a distinct difference. The level of phytic acid in seeds decreased in all NaCl treatments during germination, but the level was affected differently by NaCl concentration in the two varieties. Overall, our results suggest that salt stress retard the radicle growth of rice seeds, and affect the starch-to-sugar conversion and the decomposition of phytic acid differently in two varieties.

Seedlings of two rice genotyopes, cvs. Ilpumbyeo and Gancheokbyeo, were exposed to 0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl in nutrient solution for nine days. Plants were collected at the interval of 3 days and organic and inorganic solutes in leaves and roots and antioxidative enzyme activity in leaves were determined. Under salinity, the accumulation of soluble sugars occurred considerably in the older leaves of stressed seedlings compared to younger leaves and roots. The endogenous Na+ contents markedly increased at higher NaCl concentration in leaves and roots of seedlings, though it was higher accumulated in roots. Salinity resulted in an excessive proline accumulation in the stressed plants. A more pronounced increase was observed in Gancheokbyeo leaves. SOD activity in Impumbyeo cannot found any remarkable change, whereas, in Gancheokbyeo, its activity was rapidly decreased. CAT and POD activities increased with an increase in NaCl concentration in both genotypes. In sum­mary, the high capacity of rice seedlings to overcome an unfavorable growth condition such salt stress appears to be related to an adequate partition of organic solutes between shoots and roots and to changes in absorption, transport and re-translocation of salts.

The effects of UV-B radiation on the seedling growth, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidants activities of rice (Oryza sativa L.) were investigated under environmentally controlled chamber. Supplementary UV­B radiation reduced dry matter as well as leaf area, there­fore, relative growth rates (RGR) of seedlings were decreased by up to half compared to control. Photosynthetic products such as soluble sugars and starch were rapidly and significantly reduced by within 1 day of enhanced UV-B radiation due to the inhibition and degradation of photosynthetic processes and thylakoid membrane integrity. In our study, nonstructural carbohydrate levels were proved to be a main indicator on UV-B­induced stress. The behavior of SOD, CAT, APX and POD activities was monitored in the leaves of rice seedlings subjected to UV-B radiation. Under UV-B treatments, SOD activity was initially increased, whereas CAT and POD activities were slowly and slightly increased. However, APX activity showed no presumable results with an increase of UV-B dose. In leaves of rice seedlings, supplementary UV-B radiation caused an increase in free putrescine and spermidine, however spermine remained unaltered, although 24-hrs UV-B treatment slightly increased. This result presumes that an excess UV-B dose may induce ethylene biosynthesis (senescence) rather than polyamine biosynthesis (defense).