In-situ localization and biochemical analysis of bio-molecules reveals Pb-stress amelioration in Brassica juncea L. by co-application of 24-Epibrassinolide and Salicylic Acid

Metabolomics analysis reveals enhanced salt tolerance in maize through exogenous Valine-Threonine-Isoleucine-Aspartic acid application

Salt stress is a well-known abiotic constraint that hampers crop productivity, affecting more than 424 million hectares of topsoil worldwide. Applying plant growth regulators externally has proven effective in enhancing crop resilience to salt stress. Previous metabolomics studies revealed an accumulation of Valine-Threonine-Isoleucine-Aspartic acid (VTID) in salt-stressed maize seedlings, suggesting its potential to assist maize adaptation to salt stress. To explore the effectiveness of VTID in enhancing salt tolerance in maize, 10 nM VTID was applied to salt-stressed maize seedlings. The results showed a remarkable 152.29% increase in plant height and a 122.40% increase in fresh weight compared to salt-stressed seedlings. Moreover, the addition of VTID enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while reducing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress. Additionally, VTID supplementation resulted in a significant increase in osmoregulatory substances such as proline. Metabolomic analysis revealed substantial changes in the metabolite profile of maize seedlings when treated with VTID during salt stress. Differential metabolites (DMs) analysis revealed that the identified DMs primarily belonged to lipids and lipid-like molecules. The receiver operating characteristic curve and linear regression analysis determined a correlation between isodolichantoside and the height of maize seedlings under salt-stress conditions. In conclusion, these findings validate that VTID effectively regulates tolerance in maize seedlings and offers valuable insights into the potential of short peptides for mitigating salt stress.

Exogenous methyl jasmonate enhanced kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) tolerance against lead (Pb) toxicity by improving antioxidant capacity and osmoregulators

In this study, the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on metal uptake and its ability to attenuate metal toxicity in kenaf plants under Pb stress were investigated. The experiment was conducted with five different MeJA concentrations (0, 40, 80, 160, and 320 μM) as a foilar application to kenaf plants exposed to 200 μM Pb stress. The results revealed that pretreatmen of MeJA significantly increased plant dry weight, plant height, and root architecture at all concentrations tested, with the most significant increase at 320 μM. Foliar application of MeJA at 160 μM and 320 μM increased the Pb concentrations in leaves and stems as well as the translocation factor (TF) from root to leaf. However, the bioaccumulation factor in the shoot initially decreased and then increased with increasing MeJA concentration. By increasing enzymatic (SOD, POD, and CAT) and non-enzymatic (AsA and non-protein thiols) antioxidants, MeJA pretreatment decreased lipid peroxidation, O2- and H2O2 accumulation and recovered photosynthetic pigment content under Pb stress. Increased osmolytes (proline, sugar, and starch) and protein content after MeJA pretreatment under Pb stress restore cellular homeostasis and improved kenaf tolerance. Our results suggest that MeJA pretreatment modifies the antioxidant machinery of kenaf and inhibits stress-related processes that cause lipid peroxidation, hence enhancing plant tolerance to Pb stress.

Salicylic Acid and Gemma-Aminobutyric Acid Mediated Regulation of Growth, Metabolites, Antioxidant Defense System and Nutrient Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Arsenic Stress

Background

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in soil and water, posing significant risks to human health and plant growth.

Objective

The objectives of this study to evaluate morphological, biochemical, and physiological markers, as well as ion homeostasis, to alleviate the toxic effects of As in sunflowers through the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and their combination.

Methods

A pot experiment was conducted using two sunflower genotypes, FH-779 and FH-773, subjected to As stress (60 mg kg-1) to evaluate the effects of SA at 100 mg L-1, GABA at 200 mg L-1, and their combination on growth and related physiological and biochemical attributes under As stress.

Results

The study revealed that As toxicity had a detrimental effect on various growth parameters, chlorophyll pigments, relative water content, total proteins, and nutrient uptake in sunflower plants. It also led to increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), along with As accumulation in the roots and leaves. However, the application of SA and GABA protected against As-induced damage by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. This was achieved through the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as an increase in osmolytes. They also improved nutrient acquisition and plant growth under As toxicity.

Conclusions

We investigated the regulatory roles of SA and GABA in mitigating arsenic-induced phytotoxic effects on sunflower. Our results revealed a significant interaction between SA and GABA in regulating growth, photosynthesis, metabolites, antioxidant defense systems, and nutrient uptake in sunflower under As stress. These findings provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and strategies to enhance stress tolerance in contaminated environments. In the future, SA and GABA could be valuable tools for managing stress in other important crops facing abiotic stress conditions.

Chitosan/aloe vera gel coatings infused with orange peel essential oils for fruits preservation

Continuous fruit waste poses significant environmental and economic challenges, necessitating innovative fruit coating technologies. This research focuses on harnessing discarded orange peels to extract essential oil (OPEO), which is then integrated into a chitosan/aloe vera (CTS/AVG) matrix. The study comprehensively characterised the coating in terms of its physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial efficacy. The investigation involved an analysis of particle size and distribution in the coating solutions, highlighting changes induced by the incorporation of orange peel essential oil (1 %, 2 % and 3 % v/w) into the chitosan/aloe vera (4:1 v/v) matrix, including particle size reduction and enhanced Brownian motion. The study quantifies a 33.21 % decrease in water vapour transmission rate and a reduction in diffusion coefficient from 9.26 × 10-11 m2/s to 6.20 × 10-11 m2/s following the addition of OPEO to CTS/AVG. Assessment of antioxidant potential employing DPPH radical scavenging assays, revealed that CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO exhibited notably superior radical scavenging activity compared to CTS/AVG, CTS/AVG/1 %OPEO, and CTS/AVG/2 %OPEO, demonstrated by its IC50 value of 17.01 ± 0.45 mg/mL. The study employs the well diffusion method, demonstrating a higher susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria to the coating solutions than gram-positive counterparts. Remarkably, CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO displayed the most pronounced inhibition against Escherichia coli, generating an inhibitory zone diameter of 14 ± 0.8 mm. The results collectively emphasised the potential of CTS/AVG/3 %OPEO as a viable natural alternative to synthetic preservatives within the fruit industry, attributed to its exceptional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Modulation of plant photosynthetic processes during metal and metalloid stress, and strategies for manipulating photosynthesis-related traits

Metals constitute vital elements for plant metabolism and survival, acting as essential co-factors in cellular processes which are indispensable for plant growth and survival. Excess or deficient provision of metal/metalloids puts plant's life and survival at risk, thus considered a potent stress for plants. Chloroplasts as an organelle with a high metal demand form a pivotal site within the metal homeostasis network. Therefore, the metal-mediated electron transport chain (ETC) in chloroplasts is a primary target site of metal/metalloid-induced stresses. Both excess and deficient availability of metal/metalloids threatens plant's photosynthesis in several ways. Energy demands from the photosynthetic carbon reactions should be in balance with energy output of ETC. Malfunctioning of ETC components as a result of metal/metalloid stress initiates photoinhiition. A feedback inhibition from carbon fixation process also impedes the ETC. Metal stress impairs antioxidant enzyme activity, pigment biosynthesis, and stomatal function. However, genetic manipulations, nutrient management, keeping photostasis, and application of phytohormones are among strategies for coping with metal stress. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of metal/metalloid stress, as well as the exploration of potential strategies to mitigate its impact on plants are imperative. This review offers a mechanistic insight into the disruption of photosynthesis regulation by metal/metalloids and highlights adaptive approaches to ameliorate their effects on plants. Focus was made on photostasis, nutrient interactions, phytohormones, and genetic interventions for mitigating metal/metalloid stresses.

Toxic effects of lead on plants: integrating multi-omics with bioinformatics to develop Pb-tolerant crops

MAIN CONCLUSION

Lead disrupts plant metabolic homeostasis and key structural elements. Utilizing modern biotechnology tools, it's feasible to develop Pb-tolerant varieties by discovering biological players regulating plant metabolic pathways under stress. Lead (Pb) has been used for a variety of purposes since antiquity despite its toxic nature. After arsenic, lead is the most hazardous heavy metal without any known beneficial role in the biological system. It is a crucial inorganic pollutant that affects plant biochemical and morpho-physiological attributes. Lead toxicity harms plants throughout their life cycle and the extent of damage depends on the concentration and duration of exposure. Higher levels of lead exposure disrupt numerous key metabolic activities of plants including oxygen-evolving complex, organelles integrity, photosystem II connectivity, and electron transport chain. This review summarizes the detrimental effects of lead toxicity on seed germination, crop growth, and yield, oxidative and ultra-structural alterations, as well as nutrient absorption, transport, and assimilation. Further, it discusses the Pb-induced toxic modulation of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, respiration, metabolic-enzymatic activity, osmolytes accumulation, and antioxidant activity. It is a comprehensive review that reports on omics-based studies along with morpho-physiological and biochemical modifications caused by lead stress. With advances in DNA sequencing technologies, genomics and transcriptomics are gradually becoming popular for studying Pb stress effects in plants. Proteomics and metabolomics are still underrated and there is a scarcity of published data, and this review highlights both their technical and research gaps. Besides, there is also a discussion on how the integration of omics with bioinformatics and the use of the latest biotechnological tools can aid in developing Pb-tolerant crops. The review concludes with core challenges and research directions that need to be addressed soon.

Effect of exogenous taurine on growth, oxidative defense, and nickel (Ni) uptake in canola (Brassica napus L.) under Ni stress

Nickel (Ni) contamination and its associated hazardous effects on human health and plant growth are ironclad. However, the potential remedial effects of taurine (TAU) on Ni-induced stress in plants remain obscure. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the effect of TAU seed priming (100 and 150 mg L‒1) as an alleviative strategy to circumvent the phytotoxic effects of Ni (150 mg kg‒1) on two canola cultivars (Ni-tolerant cv. Shiralee and Ni-sensitive cv. Dunkeld). Our results manifested an apparent decline in growth, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, leaf relative water content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total soluble proteins, nitrate reductase activity, and nutrient acquisition (N, P, K, Ca) under Ni toxicity. Further, Ni toxicity led to a substantial increase in oxidative stress reflected as higher levels of superoxide radicals (O2•‒) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) alongside increased relative membrane permeability, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, and Ni accumulation in leaves and roots. However, TAU protected canola plants from Ni-induced oxidative damage through the amplification of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production that intensified the antioxidant system to avert O2•‒, H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Further, TAU-mediated increase in H2S levels maintained membrane integrity that might have improved ionomics and bettered plant growth under Ni toxicity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01359-9.

Root development in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit enhances copper accumulation

Potentially toxic elements (PTE) in soil like copper (Cu) have been common in agricultural and mining areas worldwide. The sustainable remediation of these areas has been shown to have high socio-environmental relevance and phytoremediation is one of the green technologies to be considered. The challenge is to identify species that are tolerant to PTE, and to assess their phytoremediation potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological response of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit and to determine the species tolerance and phytoremediation potential to concentrations of Cu in the soil (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/dm3). The photosynthetic rate was not affected, while the content of chlorophylls decreased as Cu concentrations increased. There was an increased in stomatal conductance and water use efficiency from the treatment of 300. The root biomass and the length were bigger than the shoots, in the treatments above 300. Cu accumulation was greater in the roots than in the shoot of the plants, thus, the Cu translocation index to the shoot was lower. The ability to absorb and accumulate, mainly, Cu in the roots, allowed the development and growth of plants, since the parameters of photosynthesis and biomass accumulation were not affected by the Cu excess. This accumulation in the roots is characterized as a strategy for the phytostabilization of Cu. Therefore, L. leucocephala is tolerant to the Cu concentrations evaluated and has a potential phytoremediation of Cu in the soil.

Interactions of Polyamines and Phytohormones in Plant Response to Abiotic Stress

Numerous environmental conditions negatively affect plant production. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity, drought, temperature, and heavy metals, cause damage at the physiological, biochemical, and molecular level, and limit plant growth, development, and survival. Studies have indicated that small amine compounds, polyamines (PAs), play a key role in plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Pharmacological and molecular studies, as well as research using genetic and transgenic approaches, have revealed the favorable effects of PAs on growth, ion homeostasis, water maintenance, photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and antioxidant systems in many plant species under abiotic stress. PAs display a multitrack action: regulating the expression of stress response genes and the activity of ion channels; improving the stability of membranes, DNA, and other biomolecules; and interacting with signaling molecules and plant hormones. In recent years the number of reports indicating crosstalk between PAs and phytohormones in plant response to abiotic stresses has increased. Interestingly, some plant hormones, previously known as plant growth regulators, can also participate in plant response to abiotic stresses. Therefore, the main goal of this review is to summarize the most significant results that represent the interactions between PAs and plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, ethylene, jasmonates, and gibberellins, in plants under abiotic stress. The future perspectives for research focusing on the crosstalk between PAs and plant hormones were also discussed.

Exogenously applied melatonin enhanced the tolerance of Brassica napus against cobalt toxicity by modulating antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, and expression of stress response genes

The excessive accumulation of cobalt (Co) in plant tissues severely impairs plant growth that ultimately reduces the yield. However, melatonin (MT) has been known to mediate the abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The present study aimed at investigating the protective mechanisms of exogenously applied MT (0, 50 and 100 μM) under Co (0, 100, 200 and 300 μM) stress by focusing on morpho-physiological, biochemical and cellular characterizations of Brassica napus plants. Cobalt (300 μM) alone treatment drastically inhibited the stomatal conductance, plant height (45%), leaf area (30%), free amino acid (139%), relative electrolyte leakage (109%), and total soluble sugars (71%), compared with the control. However, the exogenous supply of MT notably minimized the oxidative damage, lipid peroxidation and maintained the membrane integrity under Co-toxicity by restricting the overproduction of ROS (H₂O₂ and O₂^•), and MDA in leaves and roots. Melatonin significantly enhanced the activities of ROS-scavenging antioxidant enzymes, secondary metabolism-related phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), stress-responsive genes (heat shock protein as HSP-90, methyl transferase as MT) and regulated the Co-transporters, especially in roots. These findings indicated that an exogenous supply of MT improve the plant morphology, photosynthetic apparatus, osmotic adjustments, and antioxidant defense systems by enhancing the Co-detoxification in B. napus plants.

Could nitrogen compounds be indicators of tolerance to high doses of Cu and Fe in the cultivation of Leucaena leucocephala?

Nitrogen metabolism and the production of primary and secondary metabolites vary according to biotic and abiotic factors such as trace elements (TE) stress, and can, therefore, be considered biomarkers. The present study evaluated the effect of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) TE, separately, on the metabolism of nitrogen compounds and biomass production, partitioned into shoot and roots of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit., and identified possible defense mechanisms linked to nitrogen metabolism. At 120 days of cultivation, the biomass production of L. leucocephala was higher when exposed to excess Fe than Cu. Nonetheless, the biomass gain (%) of plants exposed to Cu was higher, especially the biomass gains in roots. The tolerance and biomass production of L. leucocephala is related to the regulation of nitrogen metabolism and production of secondary metabolites. The biochemistry of plant metabolism against the excess of Cu and Fe TE manifested similarly, but with some specifics regarding the chemical nature of each metal. There was a reduction in the content of ureides and proteins and an increase in amino acids in the roots in relation to the increase in Cu and Fe concentrations. There was low accumulation of proline in the roots in treatments 400 and 500 mg/dm³ compared to the control for both TE. On the other hand, the total phenolic compounds in the roots increased. Our results indicate that the increased synthesis of amino acids and the accumulation of phenolic compounds is involved in the tolerance of L. leucocephala to Cu and Fe.

Taurine modulates dynamics of oxidative defense, secondary metabolism, and nutrient relation to mitigate boron and chromium toxicity in Triticum aestivum L. plants

The present study was undertaken to appraise the efficacy of exogenous taurine in alleviating boron (B) and chromium (Cr) toxicity. Taurine protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation due to its function as a ROS scavenger. However, there exists no report in the literature on the role of taurine in plants under abiotic stresses. The present investigation indicated the involvement of exogenous taurine in mediating plant defense responses under B and Cr toxicity. Wheat plants manifested a significant drop in growth, chlorophyll molecules, SPAD values, relative water content, nitrate reductase activity, and uptake of essential nutrients under B, Cr, and combined B-Cr toxicity. Plants showed significant oxidative damage due to enhanced cellular levels of superoxide radicals (O₂^•-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), relative membrane permeability, and activity of lipoxygenase (LOX). Additionally, a significant negative correlation existed in B and Cr levels with the uptake of essential nutrients. Taurine substantially improved growth, photosynthetic pigments, and nutrient uptake by regulating ROS scavenging, secondary metabolism, and ions homeostasis under stress. Taurine protected plants from the detrimental effects of B and Cr by upregulating the production of nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide, glutathione, and phenolic compounds.

Interactive effect of glycine, alanine, and calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under lead (Pb) stress

Aim of this study was to evaluate the interactive effects of glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂], and their mixture on the growth of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties, i.e., var. Punjab-2011 and var. Anaj-2017 under lead [0.5 mM Pb(NO₃)₂] stress. A pot experiment was conducted for this purpose. Pre-sowing seed treatment with 1 mM glycine, alanine, and calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] was applied under two levels of lead nitrate [Pb(NO₃)₂] stress, i.e., control and 0.5 mM Pb(NO₃)₂. Lead (0.5 mM) stress significantly decreased root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot, and chlorophyll contents, while it increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and peroxidase (POD) in both wheat varieties. Lead (0.5 mM) stress increased the accumulation of free proline, glycinebetaine, total free amino acids, and total soluble protein contents. Although var. Punjab-2011 was higher in root fresh and dry weights, shoot length, and total leaf area per plant, however, var. Anaj-2017 showed less reduction in shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and shoot length under lead stress. Under lead stress, Punjab-2011 was higher in grain yield and number of grain plant^-1, chlorophyll a contents, membrane permeability (%), POD activity, total free amino acids, and glycinebetaine (GB) contents as compared to Anaj-2017. Pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) increased shoot dry weight, number of grains per plants, 100-grain weight, number of spikes, and chlorophyll a contents under normal and lead-stressed conditions. Wheat var. Anaj-2017 showed higher growth and yield attributes as compared to var. Punjab-2011. Results of the current study have shown that pre-sowing seed treatments with glycine, alanine, calcium nitrate, and their mixture (1 mM of each) can overcome the harmful effects of lead (Pb) stress in wheat plants.

Efficacy of salicylic acid in modulating physiological andbiochemical mechanisms to improve postharvest longevity in cut spikes of Consolida ajacis (L.) Schur

Postharvest losses of cut flowers is one of the considerable challenges restricting their efficient marketability. Consequently, such challenges have triggered a constant hunt for developing compatible postharvest treatments to mitigate postharvest losses. Interestingly, recent studies entrench extensive role of salicylic acid (SA) in mitigating postharvest losses in various flower systems. The current investigation focusses on role of SA in augmenting physiological and biochemical responses to mitigate postharvest senescence in cut spikes of Consolida ajacis. The cut spikes of C. ajacis were supplemented with various SA treatments viz, 2 mM, 4 mM, 6 mM. The effects of these treatments were evaluated against control set of spikes placed in distilled water. Our study indicates considerable increment in postharvest longevity of cut spikes, besides an increase in solution uptake, sugar and protein content of tepal tissues.SA augmented antioxidant system via upsurge in phenolic content and antioxidant enzymes viz, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) to forfend reactive oxygen species (ROS) related oxidative damage. SA profoundly reduced lipoxygenase (LOX) activity to preserve the membrane integrity and thus prevented seepage of solutes from tepal tissues. These results authenticate SA particularly 4 mM concentration as effective postharvest treatment to preserve the postharvest quality of C. ajacis cut spikes.

Salicylic acid mitigates salt induced toxicity through the modifications of biochemical attributes and some key antioxidants in capsicum annuum

Abiotic stress causes extensive loss to agricultural yield production worldwide. Salt stress is one of them crucial factor which leads to decreased the agricultural production through detrimental effect on growth and development of crops. In our study, we examined the effect of a defense growth substance, salicylic acid (SA 1 mM) on mature vegetative (60 Days after sowing) and flowering (80 DAS) stage of Pusa Sadabahar (PS) variety of Capsicum annuum L. plants gown under different concentrations of NaCl (25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mM) and maintained in identical sets in pots during the whole experiment. Physiological studies indicated that increase in root & shoot length, fresh & dry weight, number of branches per plant, and yield (number of fruits per plant) under salt + SA treatment. Biochemical studies, enzymatic antioxidants like CAT, POX, and non-enzymatic antioxidant such as ascorbic acid (AsA content), carotenoids, phenolics, besides other defense compounds like proline, protein, chlorophyll contents were studied at 10 days after treatment at the mature vegetative and flowering stage. The addition of SA led to lowering of in general, all studied parameters in the mature vegetative stage but increased the same during the flowering stage, especially in the presence of NaCl; although the control I (without SA and NaCl) remained lower in value than control II (with SA, without NaCl). Interestingly, total phenolics were higher in control I (without SA or NaCl) whereas chlorophylls were higher in treatments with SA and NaCl. Thus, physiological concentration of SA (1 mM) appears to be significantly effective against salt stress during the flowering stage. In addition, during the mature vegetative stage, however, proline accumulates in SA treated sets, to help in developing NaCl-induced drought stress tolerance.

Salicylic acid pre-treatment modulates Pb2+-induced DNA damage vis-à-vis oxidative stress in Allium cepa roots

The current study investigated the putative role of salicylic acid (SA) in modulating Pb²⁺-induced DNA and oxidative damage in Allium cepa roots. Pb²⁺ exposure enhanced free radical generation and reduced DNA integrity and antioxidant machinery after 24 h; however, SA pre-treatment (for 24 h) ameliorated Pb²⁺ toxicity. Pb²⁺ exposure led to an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and enhanced superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical levels. SA improved the efficiency of enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases [APX, GPX], superoxide dismutases [SOD], and catalases [CAT]) at 50-μM Pb²⁺ concentration. However, SA pre-treatment could not improve the efficiency of CAT and APX at 500 μM of Pb²⁺ treatment. Elevated levels of ascorbate and glutathione were observed in A. cepa roots pre-treated with SA and exposed to 50 μM Pb²⁺ treatment, except for oxidized glutathione. Nuclear membrane integrity test demonstrated the ameliorating effect of SA by reducing the number of dark blue-stained nuclei as compared to Pb²⁺ alone treatments. SA was successful in reducing DNA damage in cell exposed to higher concentration of Pb²⁺ (500 μM) as observed through comet assay. The study concludes that SA played a major role in enhancing defense mechanism and protecting against DNA damage by acclimatizing the plant to Pb²⁺-induced toxicity.

Effects of seed priming treatments on the germination and development of two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties under the co-influence of low temperature and drought

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of seed priming. This was done by soaking the seeds of two rapeseed cultivars, namely, ZY15 (tolerant to low temperature and drought) and HY49 (sensitive to low temperature and drought), for 12 h in varying solutions: distilled water, 138 mg/L salicylic acid (SA), 300 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA), 89.4 mg/L sodium nitroprusside (SNP), 3000 mg/L calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and 30 mg/L abscisic acid (ABA). Primed and non-primed seeds were left to germinate at 15°C and -0.15 MPa (T₁₅W₁₅) and at 25°C and 0 MPa (T₂₅W₀), respectively. The results showed that SA, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA significantly improved the germination potential (GP), germination rate (GR), germination index (GI), stem fresh weight (SFW), stem dry weight (SDW), root length (RL), stem length (SL), and seed vigor index (SVI) under T₁₅W₁₅. For ZY15 seeds under T₂₅W₀, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (96% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (88% after 5 days). For ZY15 seeds under T₁₅W₁₅, SA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming, with respect to the control and water-treated groups, shortened the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (80% after 5 days). For HY49 seeds under T₂₅W₀, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA priming reduced the average germination time (92% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (85% after 5 days). Similarly, for HY49 seeds under T₁₅W₁₅, GA priming shortened the average germination time (89% after 5 days) compared to that of the control (83% after 5 days). These priming agents increased the net photosynthesis, stomatal conductivity, and transpiration rate of rape seedlings under conditions of low temperature and drought stress, while also decreasing intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. Additionally, SA, GA, SNP, CaCl₂, and ABA increased superoxide dismutase concentrations (SOD) and ascorbic peroxidase (APX) activities of rape seedlings under stress conditions, while decreasing catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in ZY15 seedlings. In HY49, which is sensitive to low temperature and drought, all priming solutions, except for SNP, led to an increase in SOD activity levels and a decrease in CAT activity levels. Overall, SA, GA, SNP, and CaCl₂ increased the concentrations of indoleacetic acid (IAA), GA, ABA, and cytokinin (CTK) in seedlings under stress conditions. Moreover, compared to SA, CaCl₂, and ABA, GA (300 mg/L) and SNP (300 mol/L) showed improved priming effects for ZY15 and HY49 under stress conditions.

Salicylic acid-induced hydrogen sulphide improves lead stress tolerance in pepper plants by upraising the ascorbate-glutathione cycle

The contribution of hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) to salicylic acid (SA) induced lead (Pb) stress tolerance modulated by the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle was examined in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants. One week after germination, pepper seedlings were sprayed with 0.5 mM SA once a day for a week. Thereafter, seedlings were grown under control (no Pb) or Pb stress (Pb-S treatment consisting of 0.1 mM PbCl₂ ) for a further 2 weeks. Lead stress reduced plant growth and leaf water status as well as the activities of dehydroascorbate reductase and monodehydroascorbate reductase. However, lead stress elevated leaf Pb, the proline contents, oxidative stress, activities of glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase, as well as the endogenous H₂ S content. Supplements of SA resulted in improvements in growth parameters, biomass, leaf water status and AsA-GSH cycle-related enzyme activities, as well as increasing the H₂ S content. The positive effect of SA was further enhanced when sodium hydrosulphide was added. However, 0.1 mM hypotaurine (HT) treatment reversed the beneficial effect of SA by reducing the plant H₂ S content. Application of NaHS in combination with SA + HT suppressed the adverse effect of HT mainly by restoring the plant H₂ S content, suggesting that higher H₂ S content, induced by exogenous SA supply, resulted in elevated regulation of the AsA-GSH cycle.

Mechanism of growth amelioration of triclosan-stressed tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) by endogenous salicylic acid

Among emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), triclosan (TCS) is an antibacterial agent and frequently detected in sludge. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to obtain the first transcriptomic profile of tobacco with TCS treatment in comparison with control. The results of transcriptome profiling indicated that salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway actively participated in the tobacco's response to TCS treatment. The accumulation of endogenous SA in transgene tobacco lines transformed with a homologous gene of SA binding protein (LcSABP) was significantly enhanced. The resistance of transgenic tobacco lines to TCS was markedly enhanced revealed by morphological and physiological indexes while the total Chl level and Pn of transgenic individuals showed about 180% and 250% higher than that of WT on average, and the accumulation of H2O2 and O2- induced by TCS in SABP overexpressing tobacco was 35.3%-37.3% and 53.0%-56.0% lower than that of WT. In order to further explore the mechanism of TCS tolerance in transgenic plants, RNA-seq was then performed to obtain the second transcriptomic profile between wild type and transgenic samples with TCS exposure. The results indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were most highly enriched in MAPK signalling pathway, amino acid synthesis pathway and plant hormone transduction pathway. Especially, genes encoding key proteins such as cytochrome P450, laccase, peroxidase, glycosyl transferase, glutathione S-transferase and ATP-binding cassette were considered to be related to the increased tolerance ability of transgenic tobacco to the treatment of TCS stress. This research will likely provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of SA-mediated amelioration of TCS stress on tobacco.

Exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide stimulates root protection, and leaf antioxidant enzymes in lead stressed rice plants: Central roles to minimize Pb content and oxidative stress

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant that negatively affects rice plants, causing damage to the root system and chloroplast structures, as well as reducing growth. 24-Epibrasnolide (EBR) is a plant growth regulator with a high capacity to modulate antioxidant metabolism. The objective of this research was to investigate whether exogenous EBR application can mitigate oxidative damage in Pb-stressed rice plants, measure anatomical structures and evaluate physiological and biochemical responses connected with redox metabolism. The experiment was randomized with four treatments, including two lead treatments (0 and 200 μM PbCl₂, described as - Pb and + Pb, respectively) and two treatments with brassinosteroid (0 and 100 nM EBR, described as - EBR and + EBR, respectively). The results revealed that plants exposed to Pb suffered significant disturbances, but the EBR alleviated the negative interferences, as confirmed by the improvements in the root structures and antioxidant system. This steroid stimulated the root structures, increasing the epidermis thickness (26%) and aerenchyma area (50%), resulting in higher protection of this tissue against Pb²⁺ ions. Additionally, EBR promoted significant increases in superoxide dismutase (26%), catalase (24%), ascorbate peroxidase (54%) and peroxidase (63%) enzymes, reducing oxidative stress on the photosynthetic machinery in Pb-stressed plants. This research proved that EBR mitigates the toxic effects generated by Pb in rice plants.

Salicylic acid mediated reduction in grain cadmium accumulation and amelioration of toxicity in Oryza sativa L. cv Bandana

Contamination of agricultural fields with Cadmium (Cd) due to several agricultural practices is increasing worldwide. The rice plants can easily take up Cd and accumulate it into different parts, including the grains, posing a threat to human health even at low concentration exposure. Several phytohormones, including Salicylic acid (SA) have been investigated since long for its alleviating properties under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. In the present study, 100 μM SA application to ameliorate 25 μM Cd stress was studied for 72 h in hydroponics in Oryza sativa cv. Bandana seedlings. Pot experiments were done with same treatment condition and plants were grown till maturity. SA application to Cd exposed rice seedlings alleviated the stress condition, which was established by several physiological, biochemical, histochemical and gene expression analysis. SA treatment to Cd stressed seedlings showed elevated photosynthetic pigment content, on-protein thiol content and relieved the Cd induced growth inhibition considerably. It lowered the accumulation of ROS like, O2^- and H₂O₂ with a regulated antioxidative enzymatic activity. SA application in Cd exposed rice seedlings had upregulated expression of OsHMA3 and OsPCS1 whereasOsNRAMP2 gene was downregulated. Co-application of SA and Cd led to higher yield and improved agronomic traits in comparison to only Cd exposed plants under pot experimentation. Daily intake of Cd and Carcinogenic risk were also reduced by 99.75% and 99.99% respectively in the SA treated Cd stressed plants. SA positively affected the growth and tolerance of rice seedlings to Cd stress. Hence, SA addition to Cd contaminated soil can ensure rice cultivation without posing health risk to consumers.

Organic chelates decrease phytotoxic effects and enhance chromium uptake by regulating chromium-speciation in castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)

There is limited information available on changes in the uptake of essential nutrients and secondary metabolites accumulation in castor bean under Cr toxicity. Besides, the role of organic chelates (EDTA and citric acid) mediated improvement in Cr uptake by castor bean is mostly unknown. Three independent experiments (sand, hydroponics, and soil) were executed to determine the Cr phytoextraction potential of Ricinus communis L. In the sand experiment, optimum doses of organic chelates (EDTA and citric acid) were selected. These optimum doses of chelates were used in the hydroponics and soil experiments. The results of hydroponics and soil experiments manifested a significant decrease in growth characteristics and leaf pigments in response to Cr stress applied as K2Cr2O7 (a source of Cr6+). The application of organic chelates (2.5 and 5 mM) showed a noticeable improvement in oxidative defense and secondary metabolites accumulation that might have decreased oxidative injury reflected as lower hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Moreover, chelates improved the uptake of essential nutrients (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and P) alongside significant enhancement in total Cr contents of plants. Our results advocated that chelates application resulted in greater endogenous levels of Cr3+ in plants compared with Cr6+ which is more toxic. In nutshell, organic chelates improved growth by regulating Cr species, ion homeostasis and secondary metabolites accumulation in Ricinus communis L.

Protective mechanisms of melatonin against selenium toxicity in Brassica napus: insights into physiological traits, thiol biosynthesis and antioxidant machinery

BACKGROUND

The ubiquitous signaling molecule melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) (MT) plays vital roles in plant development and stress tolerance. Selenium (Se) may be phytotoxic at high concentrations. Interactions between MT and Se (IV) stress in higher plants are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the defensive roles of exogenous MT (0 μM, 50 μM, and 100 μM) against Se (IV) (0 μM, 50 μM, 100 μM, and 200 μM) stress based on the physiological and biochemical properties, thiol biosynthesis, and antioxidant system of Brassica napus plants subjected to these treatments.

RESULTS

Se (IV) stress inhibited B. napus growth and biomass accumulation, reduced pigment content, and lowered net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and PSII photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) in a dose-dependent manner. All of the aforementioned responses were effectively alleviated by exogenous MT treatment. Exogenous MT mitigated oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation and protected the plasma membranes from Se toxicity by reducing Se-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. MT also alleviated osmotic stress by restoring foliar water and sugar levels. Relative to standalone Se treatment, the combination of MT and Se upregulated the ROS-detoxifying enzymes SOD, APX, GR, and CAT, increased proline, free amino acids, and the thiol components GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG, NPTs, PCs, and cys and upregulated the metabolic enzymes γ-ECS, GST, and PCS. Therefore, MT application attenuates Se-induce oxidative damage in plants. MT promotes the accumulation of chelating agents in the roots, detoxifies Se there, and impedes its further translocation to the leaves.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous MT improves the physiological traits, antioxidant system, and thiol ligand biosynthesis in B. napus subjected to Se stress primarily by enhancing Se detoxification and sequestration especially at the root level. Our results reveal better understanding of Se-phytotoxicity and Se-stress alleviation by the adequate supply of MT. The mechanisms of MT-induced plant tolerance to Se stress have potential implications in developing novel strategies for safe crop production in Se-rich soils.