Phosphorus amendment decreased cadmium (Cd) uptake and ameliorates chlorophyll contents,gas exchange attributes,antioxidants, and mineral nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Cd stress

A 28-day pot (sand culture) experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of phosphorus (P) application in alleviating Cd phytotoxicity in wheat plants. Different levels of P (0, 10, and 20 kg ha^?1) were applied without and with 100 µM Cd. The results showed that 100 µM Cd concentration decreased plant biomass, chlorophyll contents, gas exchange attributes, and mineral nutrients in wheat plants. Cadmium stress increased tissue Cd and H₂O₂ concentrations. The activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), peroxidase (POD) enzymes, increased while the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid (AsA), α-tocopherol, and phenolics decreased under Cd stress. Phosphorus supply increased shoot biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, and mineral nutrients and decreased Cd and H₂O₂ concentrations in shoots. Phosphorus application improved antioxidant enzyme activities and gas exchange attributes which emerged as an important mechanism of Cd tolerance in wheat. We conclude that P application contributes to decreased Cd concentrations in wheat shoots and increased gas exchange attributes and antioxidant enzymes and could be implemented in a general scheme aiming at controlling Cd concentrations in wheat for sustained production of this important grain crop.     

Amelioration of cadmium stress in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) by application of potassium and silicon

Gladiolus corms were grown in media contaminated with cadmium (Cd) (50 mg kg^?1) and supplemented with silicon (Si) and potassium (K). The role of Si and K for mitigation of Cd toxicity was evaluated. Cd-induced stress generated significantly increased level of oxidative stress markers including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in gladiolus. The application of K and Si improved the production of protein and proline in the treated plants. Moreover, K and Si supplemented plants exhibited an improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the level of MDA, H₂O₂ and Cd uptake under Cd stress. Application of K and Si also enhanced the uptake of mineral nutrients including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and K. The plants supplemented with K and Si exhibited a higher amount of total phenolics and flavonoids. The combined effect of Si and K was more pronounced regarding beneficial effects on gladiolus plants compared to individual effect of these elements under Cd stress. The current research reveals that Si and K may improve gladiolus growth by decreasing the oxidative stress and Cd uptake and by increasing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, the quantity of secondary metabolites and plant nutrition.     

Silicon Increases Tolerance to Boron Toxicity and Reduces Oxidative Damage in Barley

ABSTRACT

Silicon (Si) protects plants from multiple abiotic and biotic stresses The effect of exogenous Si levels (50, 75, and 100 mg kg^?1) on the growth, boron (B) and Si uptake, lipid peroxidation (MDA), lipoxygenase activity (LOX; EC 1.13.11.12), proline, and H₂O₂ accumulation, non-enzymatic antioxidant activity (AA) and the activities of major antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, EC 1.15.1.1; catalase, CAT, EC 1.11.1.6 and ascorbate peroxidase, APX, EC 1.11.1.11) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were investigated under glasshouse conditions. Increasing levels of Si supplied to the soil with 20 mg kg^?1 B counteracted the deleterious effects of B on shoot growth. Application of B significantly increased the B concentration in barley plants. However, Si application decreased B concentrations. Increasing application of Si increased the Si concentration in barley plants. The concentration of H₂O₂ was increased by B toxicity but decreased by Si supply. Boron toxicity decreased proline concentrations and increased lipid peroxidation (MDA content) and LOX activity of barley. Compared with control plants, the activities of AA, SOD, CAT, and APX in B stressed plants grown without Si decreased, and application of Si increased their activities under toxic B conditions. The LOX activity was decreased by Si. Based on the present work, it can be concluded that Si alleviates B toxicity by possibly preventing oxidative membrane damage, both through lowering the uptake of B and by increasing tolerance to excess B within the tissues.     

Growth and antioxidant responses in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants subjected to combined effect of gibberellic acid and salinity

The effects of salt stress on plant growth parameters, lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), glutathione reductase (GR; EC EC 1.6.4.2) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) activity] were studied in the leaves of mustard. Plants were exposed to two different concentrations of NaCl stress (100 and 150 mM) for 45 days and were sprayed with GA₃ (75 ml pot^?1, conc. 75 mg l^?1) once a week. Salt stress resulted in decrease in the growth and biomass yield of mustard but the exogenous application of GA₃ enhanced these parameters significantly. Application of GA₃ counteracted the adverse effects of NaCl salinity on relative water content, electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll (Chl) content. GA₃ was sufficient to attenuate partially the stimulatory effect of NaCl supply on proline and glycinebetaine biosynthesis. GA₃ reduced lipid peroxidation in the leaves, which was increased during salt stress. The activity of all the antioxidant enzymes was increased significantly during salt stress in mustard. The exogenous application of GA₃ decreased the enzyme activity. The results of the present study indicate that usage of GA₃ reduces the harmful effects of salinity and increases resistance to salinity in mustard plant.     

Kinetics of Zinc Uptake and Anatomy of Roots and Leaves of Coffee Trees as Affected by Zinc Nutrition

Abstract

The influence of silicon (Si) (2.5 mM), sodium chloride (NaCl) (100 mM), and Si (2.5 mM) + NaCl (97.5 mM) supply on chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ level, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; E.C.1.15.1.1.), ascorbate peroxidase (APx; E.C.1.11.1.11.), catalase (CAT; E.C.1.11.1.6.), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD; E.C.1.11.1.7.) enzymes, and protein content were studied in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill c.v.) leaves over 10-day and 27-day periods. The results indicated that silicon partially offset the negative impacts of NaCl stress with increased the tolerance of tomato plants to NaCl salinity by raising SOD and CAT activities, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency of PSII. Salt stress decreased SOD and CAT activities and soluble protein content in the leaves. However, addition of silicon to the nutrient solution enhanced SOD and CAT activities and protein content in tomato leaves under salt stress. In contrast, salt stress slightly promoted APx activity and considerably increased H₂O₂ level and MDA concentration and Si addition slightly decreased APx activity and significantly reduced H₂O₂ level and MDA concentration in the leaves of salt-treated plants. G-POD activity was slightly decreased by addition of salt and Si. Enhanced activities of SOD and CAT by Si addition may protect the plant tissues from oxidative damage induced by salt, thus mitigating salt toxicity and improving the growth of tomato plants. These results confirm that the scavenging system forms the primary defense line in protecting oxidative damage under stress in crop plants.     

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN COWPEA PLANTS SUBJECTED TO BORON AND HIGH IRRADIANCE STRESSES

The effects of boron (B) and high irradiance (HI) on the growth and activities of antioxidant enzymes have been investigated in cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. ‘P152’). A significant decrease in root and shoot lengths were observed in B-deficient (0 ppm) and B-excess (50 ppm) plants compared to B-sufficient (0.5 ppm) plants. Under B and B + HI stress, significant increase in membrane permeability (EC), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were observed in B-deficient and B-excess leaves. Under B and B + HI stress, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was found to be significantly high whereas the peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities and the non-enzymatic antioxidants, ascorbic acid and proline accumulation were found to be significantly decreased in B-deficient and B-excess leaves which showed the B inefficiency and susceptible nature of the cowpea plants to B and B + HI stress.     

Influence of Silicon on Sunflower Cultivars under Drought Stress,I: Growth,Antioxidant Mechanisms,and Lipid Peroxidation

Abstract: Understanding plant responses to drought stress is essential, and there is a need to know possible physiological mechanisms of damage and drought avoidance for the genetic improvement of crops. Therefore, we investigated the effects of silicon (Si) on shoot and root growth, leaf relative water content (RWC), stomatal resistance (SR), lipid peroxidation (MDA), membrane permeability (MP), proline and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, nonenzymatic antioxidant activity, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) of 12 sunflower cultivars grown under drought conditions. Silicon applied to the soil counteracted the deleterious effects of drought in 6 of the 12 sunflower cultivars. In general, SR and H₂O₂, proline, and MDA content were increased in all the cultivars under drought stress. However, application of Si decreased their levels and alleviated membrane damage (MP) significantly by increasing leaf RWC. The CAT activity was significantly decreased by drought stress, but supplemental Si increased it. In general, SOD and APX activities of the cultivars were increased by drought and decreased by application of Si. The nonenzymatic antioxidant activity of the cultivars was significantly increased by Si under drought stress. Based on the present work, it can be concluded that applied Si alleviates drought stress in sunflower cultivars by preventing membrane damage, although the cultivars showed genotypic variation in response to applied Si.     

Salt-induced perturbation in growth,physiological attributes,activities of antioxidant enzymes and organic solutes in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) cultivars differing in salinity tolerance

A pot experiment was conducted to appraise the inhibitory effects of salt stress on biochemical attributes in the three mungbean cultivars (NCM-209, NCM-89 and NM-92). Salt stress caused a significant decrease in plant height, shoot relative water contents, photosynthetic pigments, endogenous levels of K⁺ and K⁺/Na⁺ ratios and increase in cellular levels of H₂O₂, MDA, Na⁺ and Cl^?. However, cv. NCM-209 was found to be tolerant in terms of lower salt-induced decline in K⁺, K⁺/Na⁺ ratio and photosynthetic pigments. The endogenous levels of H₂O₂ and MDA were also lower in cv. NCM-209. Salt stress markedly also affected different yield attributes in all mungbean cultivars. Again cultivar NCM-209 exhibited less inhibitory effects of salt stress on different growth attributes. Salt stress resulted in a marked increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) in mungbean cultivars. Activity of peroxidase was maximal in cv. NCM-209 and catalase activity was maximal in cv. NCM-89, whereas cvs. NCM-89 and NM-92 showed higher activities of superoxide dismutase. Similarly activity of ascorbate peroxidase was higher in cv. NM-92. It could be inferred from data of antioxidant enzymes that mungbean cultivars cannot be categorized as salt tolerant or sensitive on the basis of a single antioxidant enzyme.     

盐分胁迫下控释尿素配施腐植酸对棉花幼苗生长和抗氧化系统的影响

为探究盐分胁迫下,控释尿素配施腐植酸对棉花幼苗生长特性和植株体内抗氧化系统的影响,以滨海盐化潮土(全盐含量4.5 g/kg)为供试土壤,设置普通尿素、控释尿素、普通尿素+腐植酸、控释尿素+腐植酸4个施肥处理,以不施氮肥处理为对照进行棉花盆栽试验,测定棉花植株生物产量、叶片叶绿素含量、叶片及根系抗氧化酶(SOD、POD、...     

Foliar-applied trehalose modulates growth,mineral nutrition,photosynthetic ability,and oxidative defense system of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under saline stress

A tub experiment was conducted to assess the effect of exogenously applied trehalose (0, 10, and 20 mM) on various attributes of two rice cultivars (Bas-385 and Bas-2000) under salt stress (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM). Salinity decreased growth, gas exchange characteristics, shoot and root potassium (K⁺) ions, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), total soluble proteins, activity of catalase (CAT), and yield attributes, while it increased chlorophyll contents, shoot and root sodium (Na⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺), malondialdehyde (MDA), glycinebetain (GB), free proline, and peroxidase (POD) activity. Foliar-applied trehalose improved growth attributes, net photosynthetic rate, GB, total soluble proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and yield. Yield was not obtained at 150 mM salt stress. The rice cultivar Bas-2000 showed better performance with respect to gas exchange attributes and activities of enzymatic antioxidants. Overall, varying levels of foliar-applied trehalose proved to be effective in ameliorating adverse effects of salt stress on rice.     

Silicon application positively alters pollen grain area,osmoregulation and antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat plants under water deficit conditions

Role of exogenously-applied silicon (Si) on antioxidant enzyme activities was investigated in wheat under drought stress using a completely randomized factorial design with four replications. Drought stress significantly enhanced activities of ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and elevated accumulation of osmotically active molecules, soluble sugars and proline. Si application further enhanced activities of enzymes involved in oxidative defense system and accumulation of osmotically active molecules in drought-stressed plants. Under drought stress conditions, water shortage decreased protein content in all cultivars; however, application of Si increased it. Pollen area ratio was lower than 1 for cvs. Shiraz and Marvdasht under drought, but greater than 1 for cvs. Chamran and Sirvan. Water-limited regimes resulted in decreased leaf Ψ_w in all cultivars, but Si supply was effective in improving Ψ_w under water-limited regimes. Water shortage increased leaf K, Mg, and Ca concentrations. Under drought stress, Si-treated plants had higher K concentration than the none-treated plants.     

几种杀虫剂胁迫对黄瓜幼苗抗氧化酶活性和相关生理指标的影响

明确杀虫剂多次施用后对黄瓜幼苗抗氧化酶活性和相关生理指标的影响,对指导黄瓜(Cucumis sativus L.)合理用药具有重要作用。本研究以室内盆栽的黄瓜幼苗为试材,研究了几种常用化学杀虫剂吡虫啉、啶虫脒、溴氰菊酯及生物杀虫剂玫烟色棒束孢对黄瓜幼苗抗氧化酶活性(SOD、POD、CAT)及丙二醛MDA、脯氨酸和蛋白质含量的影响。结果表明:不同杀虫剂对黄瓜幼苗抗氧化酶活性及相关生理指标的影响不同。当供试3种化学杀虫剂胁迫黄瓜幼苗2 d时,其体内SOD、POD、CAT活性与对照无显著差异;当胁迫时间延长到4 d时,溴氰菊酯和啶虫脒处理的黄瓜幼苗体内3种抗氧化酶活均明显升高且与对照差异显著;当胁迫时间延长到6 d时,3种化学杀虫剂均造成黄瓜幼苗体内SOD、POD活性升高且与对照差异显著,其中溴氰菊酯影响较吡虫啉和啶虫咪严重;胁迫8~10 d后,各处理黄瓜幼苗体内3种抗氧化酶活性均开始下降或恢复正常。同时,3种化学杀虫剂胁迫黄瓜幼苗4~8 d时,MDA和脯氨酸含量升高并与对照差异显著;胁迫10 d时,啶虫咪和溴氰菊酯胁迫的黄瓜幼苗MDA含量仍显著高于对照,而脯氨酸含量开始下降并趋于正常。此外,3种化学杀虫剂胁迫黄瓜幼苗2~8 d时均造成其蛋白质含量的降低,而生物杀虫剂玫烟色棒束孢胁迫对黄瓜幼苗SOD、POD、CAT活性及MDA、脯氨酸和蛋白质含量均没有显著影响。可见生物杀虫剂玫烟色棒束孢较3种化学杀虫剂对黄瓜幼苗安全,黄瓜幼苗受化学杀虫剂胁迫后需要一个过程才能修复杀虫剂对其自身造成的伤害。     

氮素对花铃期干旱再复水后棉花纤维比强度形成的影响

2005—2006在南京农业大学卫岗试验站进行盆栽试验,设置正常灌水和棉花花铃期土壤短期干旱处理,每个处理再设置3个氮素水平（N 0、240、480 kg/hm2）,研究氮素对花铃期短期干旱再复水后棉花纤维比强度形成的影响。结果表明,干旱处理结束时,干旱处理棉花的纤维可溶性蛋白含量较正常灌水处理显著降低,而内源保护酶,即:超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性升高,丙二醛（MDA）含量增加;纤维加厚发育相关酶,即:蔗糖合成酶、磷酸蔗糖合成酶、β-1,3-葡聚糖酶和IAA氧化酶的活性均显著降低。在复水后第10d,干旱处理棉花的纤维内源保护酶活性迅速恢复到正常灌水处理水平,MDA含量降低,但纤维发育相关酶的活性仍低于相应正常灌水处理,纤维比强度亦显著低于正常灌水处理。在棉花的纤维加厚发育期土壤短期干旱再复水条件下,以N 240 kg/hm2最有利于形成高强纤维。干旱期间该处理棉花的纤维内源保护酶活性高,细胞膜脂过氧化程度最低,其纤维加厚发育相关酶活性均最高;复水后该处理的纤维内源保护酶活性迅速恢复,MDA含量最低,棉花的纤维加厚发育相关酶活性仍处于最高值,有利于纤维素的合成与累积,最终纤维比强度亦最大。施氮不足（N 0 kg/hm2）或过量施氮（N 480 kg/hm2）均表现出相反的趋势。     

Ca(NO3)2胁迫对嫁接番茄生长、抗氧化酶活性和活性氧代谢的影响

以“影武者”为砧木,“宝大903”为接穗,在营养液栽培条件下,对80 mmol/L Ca(NO3)2胁迫下番茄嫁接苗和自根苗的生长、叶片抗氧化酶活性、活性氧代谢以及渗透调节物质含量进行了比较。结果表明,Ca(NO3)2胁迫明显抑制植株生长,显著提高植株抗氧化酶活性,显著增加植株O2.-生成速率以及H2O2、MDA、脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白含量,但胁迫后嫁接苗的生物量显著高于自根苗,抗氧化酶活性、脯氨酸和可溶性蛋白含量均显著高于自根苗,而O2.-生成速率、H2O2和MDA含量则显著低于自根苗。以上结果表明,Ca(NO3)2胁迫下较高的抗氧化酶活性和渗透调节物质含量以及较低的氧化损伤与番茄嫁接苗耐盐性增强有关。     

Effectiveness of potassium in mitigating the salt-induced oxidative stress in contrasting tomato genotypes

To check the efficacy of potassium in alleviating oxidative stress under salt stress, salt-tolerant (Indent-1) and salt-sensitive (Red Ball) tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes were exposed to three levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) (0, 75, 150 mM) and two levels of potassium (4.5 and 9 mM) in solution and foliar form. Thirty days of treatments revealed that increasing NaCl stress increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) and correspondingly the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; and glutathione reductase GR) in both genotypes. However, higher potassium (K) level in solution or foliar spray during the salt-induced stress decreased MDA and antioxidant activity and increased the growth in salt-tolerant genotype than in the salt-sensitive genotype. Decrease in MDA concentration, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increase in the growth of tomato plants by the application of potassium under salt stress suggest that potassium is an effective ameliorating agent against salt-induced oxidative damage.     

不同浓度镉胁迫对玉米幼苗光合作用、脂质过氧化和抗氧化酶活性的影响

以玉米为材料,通过营养液培养试验,研究浓度为5~100 μmol/L的镉胁迫后不同时间内,植株体内活性氧代谢及其抗氧化酶活性的变化特征,探讨镉胁迫导致植物体内活性氧自由基累积的原因及不同程度镉胁迫对植物体内活性氧代谢的影响。随着加镉量的增加,玉米地上部生物量明显降低,而根部生物量未表现出差异。镉处理降低了叶片光合作用速率,高镉处理的影响较早。镉处理4d后,5、20、和100 mol/L Cd2+浓度处理玉米叶片Fv/Fm减小,PSII系统的原初光能转换效率下降,但比光合作用速率下降的时间要晚;镉处理7d的叶片中丙二醛（MDA）含量还没有受到明显影响,但20和100 μmol/L Cd2+处理4d后,根系膜质过氧化增强,MDA含量升高。随着镉浓度升高,处理时间延长,活性氧酶清除系统包括超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）和谷胱甘肽还原酶（GR）等酶活性明显增加,受到镉胁迫诱导,高浓度镉处理该现象出现更早。本文试验结果表明,镉胁迫下植物体内活性氧形成增多,诱导活性氧酶清除系统活性升高,其中一个重要原因是与CO2同化受到限制有关。     

Investigation of the changes in low molecular weight organic acids and other physiological parameters by nitric oxide application in two wheat cultivars exposed to boron stress

Boron (B) is one of the essential nutrients for the growth of plants, but its high concentrations are toxic for plants. Thus, B toxicity is a big challenge in crop cultivation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small signaling molecule that has cytoprotective roles in plants. We investigated whether exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), which is a NO donor, may succeed to alleviate B-induced toxicity in wheat cultivars. Seedlings were grown for 10 days in a growth chamber at 25°C with 16 hr light–8 hr dark photo cycle. After high B application, the effects of SNP on growth parameters; electrolyte leakage (EL); changes in reactive oxygen species [contents of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline]; the activities of antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)] and nitrate reductase (NR); and low molecular weight organic acid (LMWOAs) contents and also chlorophyll and total carotenoid contents were investigated in both shoots and roots of two different wheat cultivars. All experiments were carried out in triplicate. 0.2 mM SNP application ameliorated the chlorophyll and total carotenoid contents, and growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, and fresh weight in both wheat cultivars exposed to B stress. SNP reduced the B-induced lipid peroxidation, EL, and proline and H₂O₂ content in wheat cultivars. SNP application also increased the activities of NR and antioxidant enzymes, including GSHPx, GR, and GST in wheat cultivars exposed to B toxicity. All of the tested LMWOAs including succinic, propionic, butyric, oxalic, formic, malic, malonic, and benzoic acids were increased by SNP treatment in the shoots and roots of both wheat cultivars exposed to B toxicity. In conclusion, results obtained from this study have demonstrated that interactive effects of SNP with B considerably reduced the toxic effects of B in wheat cultivars.     

Effect of Zinc on Cadmium Toxicity-Induced Oxidative Stress in Winter Wheat Seedlings

Two hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate the antioxidant response of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cadmium (Cd)-zinc (Zn) interactions, Seedlings of winter wheat (cv. Yuandong 977), were grown in modified Hoagland nutrient solution with the addition of increasing concentrations of Cd (0, 10, 25, 50 μM). In experiment 2, the seedlings of the same cultivar were treated with constant concentration of Cd (25 μM) and varying levels of Zn (0, 1, 10, 50 μM). Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as the activities of three antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were monitored to estimate the amount of oxidative stress and the antioxidant ability of seedlings treated with Cd and Zn for 10 days. The results showed that levels of H₂O₂ and MDA in experiment 1 were significantly increased with increasing Cd concentrations. The data indicated that Cd could induce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the plants. While H₂O₂ and MDA levels were significantly reduced by addition of Zn in experiment 2, the activities antioxidant enzymes were enhanced. A concentration of 10 μM Zn appeared to be the optimal level in this experiment for seedlings' growth, chlorophyll synthesis and antioxidant status, indicating that Zn alleviated the oxidative stress induced by Cd.     

SILICON MITIGATES ULTRAVIOLET-B RADIATION STRESS ON SOYBEAN BY ENHANCING CHLOROPHYLL AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND REDUCING TRANSPIRATION

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of silicon (Si) for alleviating Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation stress based on changes in biomass, physiological attributes and photosynthetic characteristics of two soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars, Kenjiandou 43 (‘K 43’) and Zhonghuang 35 (‘ZH 35’). The cultivars were raised with and without Si in the greenhouse, and then subjected to ambient, ambient + 2.7 kJ m^?2d^?1and ambient + 5.4 kJ m^?2d^?1of UV-B radiation. Depending on cultivar, plants suffered severe growth limitations under UV-B radiation, but the application of Si alleviated the adverse effects on growth and development by increasing the stem length, net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and leaf chlorophyll content. Concurrently, it decreased the stomatal conductance (Sc) and intercellular carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration (Ci). In response to the UV-B radiation stress, the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased by 41.2–72.7%, peroxidases (POD) by 49.5–85.7%, malodialdehyde (MDA) by 6.7–20.4% and soluble protein by 4.2–7.6%. The overall results indicated that media treatment with Si might improve soybean growth under elevated UV-B radiation through positive changes in biomass and some physiological attributes that were dependent on cultivar.     

Silicon fertilization – A tool to boost up drought tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop for better yield

In this study, impact of silicon (Si) application on wheat performance under drought stress is studied. Experimental soil was sandy clay loam with an average pH of 8.01, electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.36 dSm^?1, and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) content of 2.16%. Soil was severely deficient in organic matter (<1%). Average extractable phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentration was 230 and 5.21 mg kg^?1, respectively. Silicon potassium metasilicate (K₂SiO₃) was applied at the rate of 0 and 12 kg/ha with three canal water irrigation frequencies including two, three, and four under randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial fashion with three replications. Results indicated that drought stress significantly reduced plant height, spike length, shoot fresh weight, and number of spikelets/spike, eventually enhancing wheat yield. Concentration of K⁺ in shoot (28.65 mg g^?1) and grains (3.51 mg g^?1) increased with Si application, which helped to maintain water potential in plant even under reduced moisture level in plants and soil, ultimately producing more yield and biomass under drought stress conditions.