• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.57-62
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• 1990

In order to Investigate the mechanism of the leaf-burning disease of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), studies on the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) and the photooxidation of the pigments were carried out in comparison with the ones of soybean (G1ycine max L). The studies were mainly focalized on the effects of light intensity, light intensity, inhibitor and electron donor/acceptor of the Photosynthetic electron transport system. When we measured the amounts of 1O2 generated in the thylakoids of ginseng and soybean by the irradiation of light (300 w/m2) as a function its time. It was identified that a higher amount of 1O2 was formed in the ginseng thylakoid than the case of soybean. A generation ratio of lO2 between ginseng and soybean sltbstantially identical in the range of light intensities 50∼150w/m2 However much higher amount of 1O2 was generated in ginseng by irradiation of strong intensity of light (200 500w/m2). Wave length dependency on the generation of 1O2 and the pigment photooxidation was observed on ginseng thylakoids; red light (600-700 nm) gave a maximum effect in the contrast with blur green light (400-60 nm). When the ginseng thylalioid was treated with the electron donor (Mn2+) and acceptors (DCPIP, FeCy) of the photosynthetic electron transport system. a drastic inhibition of 1O2 generation was observed. However, treatment with its inhibitors (DCMU, KCW) activated 1O2 generation. An interesting fact that an electron donor or acceptor of the photosystem II(P680) Inhibited 1O2 generation, suggests an intimate relationship between 1O2 generation and photosystem II.