Effects of Abscisic Acid and Water Stress on the Senescence of Detached Rice Leaves

The effects of abscisic acid (ABA) and water stress on senescence and enzyme activities of oxygen scavenging enzymes of detached rice leaves were compared. Exogenously applied ABA exhibited water stress-like effects by promoting senescence, by decreasing the activities of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. It seems that the effects of water stress on senescence and enzyme activities are possibly mediated through increased content of endogenous ABA.