EFFECT OF TI(IV) ON SOME INDICATORS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITY IN CAPSICUM-ANNUUM, L

Paprika pepper (Capsicum annuum, L., cv. Negral) plants grown in a gre enhouse were supplied Ti(IV) ascorbate through the roots or through le aves. Biomass production, peroxidase (donor: H2O, oxidoreductase; EC 1 .11.1.7) activity, and malic acid, starch and chlorophyll concentratio ns were determined in different plant organs. It was observed that Ti increased the concentration of some of the metabolites studied and pro moted both peroxidase activity and biomass production. The profitable effect of the Ti treatments could occur because they enhance the avail ability of other nutrients. This effect could be due to the low redox potential of the Ti+3/Ti+4 system that catalyzes the activity of some metallic micronutrients.