Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) needles in northern Finland

Abstract The superoxide dismutase (SOD EC 1.15.1.1) activity in Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) and Norway spruce ( Picea abies L. Karst.) needles in urban and rural trees of northern Finnish populations was studied. Enzyme activity was higher in pine than in spruce needles. Two pine clones from eastern Finland and Lapland revealed great differences in specific SOD enzyme activity.