Changes in biochemical components of wheat and rapeseed grown on selenium-contaminated soil

Abstract

To study changes in some biochemical parameters in relation to selenium accumulation in wheat and rapeseed, plant samples at different growth stages of the crops were collected from the normal and selenium-contaminated region of Punjab. Plants grown in seleniferous soils accumulated 220–242 folds Se in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.var PBW 343) and 51–67 folds in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.var GSL-1) leaves; and 16–17 folds in grains of both the crops. Due to selenium accumulation, lipid and protein contents remained significantly low in leaves at both the stages of growth as well as grains of both the crops. Distinct differences were noticed in both the crops with respect to changes in total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch contents. In seleniferous soils, wheat leaves at stage I (55-day-growth) contained significantly higher amounts of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars and starch and thereafter these parameters recorded significantly low values in leaves at stage II (ear initiation) as well as in grains. On the other hand, a significant decrease in total soluble sugars and reducing sugars was recorded due to Se accumulation in rapeseed leaves at both growth stages. Quality of rapeseed grains harvested from seleniferous soil was not affected by Se accumulation except decrease in lipid content. Se accumulation did not influence the proportion of different lipid classes like phospholipids, glycolipids and sterols but reduced the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.