On the Metabolic Activities of Echinops spinosus and Fagonia mollis in Wadi Hagul, Egypt

Echinops spinosus and Fagonia mollis were two plants collected from Wadi Hagul, Eastern desert, Egypt during spring and autumn season (2013). According to the results of this study, Echinops spinosus was considered to be more adapted plant to the environmental stress conditions of this region especially during autumn season. Carotenoids, total soluble sugars, sucrose and proline were more accumulated in F. mollis than E. spinosus plant during this season. Catalase, superoxide dismutase enzymes activity, glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations were also recorded the highest values in tissues of F. mollis plants, which suggested that F. mollis plants were following different strategies to overcome drought and light stresses during autumn season.