Abstract
This study attempted to address molecular, developmental, and physiological responses of tomato plants to foliar applications of selenium nanoparticles (nSe) at 0, 3, and 10 mgl-1 or corresponding doses of sodium selenate (BSe). The BSe/nSe treatment at 3 mgl-1 increased shoot and root biomass, while at 10 mgl-1 moderately reduced biomass accumulation. Foliar application of BSe/nSe, especially the latter, at the lower dose enhanced fruit production, and postharvest longevity, while at the higher dose induced moderate toxicity and restricted fruit production. In leaves, the BSe/nSe treatments transcriptionally upregulated miR172 (mean = 3.5-folds). The Se treatments stimulated the expression of the bZIP transcription factor (mean = 9.7-folds). Carotene isomerase (CRTISO) gene was transcriptionally induced in both leaves and fruits of the nSe-treated seedlings by an average of 5.5 folds. Both BSe or nSe at the higher concentration increased proline concentrations, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation levels, suggesting oxidative stress and impaired membrane integrity. Both BSe or nSe treatments also led to the induction of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and peroxidase), an increase in concentrations of ascorbate, non-protein thiols, and soluble phenols, as well as a rise in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme. Supplementation at 3 mgl-1 improved the concentration of mineral nutrients (Mg, Fe, and Zn) in fruits. The bioaccumulated Se contents in the nSe-treated plants were much higher than the corresponding concentration of selenate, implying a higher efficacy of the nanoform towards biofortification programs. Se at 10 mgl-1, especially in selenate form, reduced both size and density of pollen grains, indicating its potential toxicity at the higher doses. This study provides novel molecular and physiological insights into the nSe efficacy for improving plant productivity, fruit quality, and fruit post-harvest longevity.
Highlights
Nowadays, diverse attempts have been made to improve productivity, stress tolerance, and disease management in crops as well as to produce biofortified seeds or fruits containing minerals essential for humans
For the first time, we aimed to address transcriptional responses of miR172, Carotene isomerase (CRTISO), and basic leucine zipper (bZIP) genes to foliar application of bulk Se or nano counterpart at the same concentration
Taking knowledge gaps into account, we attempt to present comparative comprehensive data on the Se- or nSe-mediated changes in plant growth, physiology, metabolism, the transcriptional program of genes, crop productivity, fruit quality, and fruit postharvest longevity to gain new insights into the benefits or the risk associated with Se function in agriculture
Summary
Diverse attempts have been made to improve productivity, stress tolerance, and disease management in crops as well as to produce biofortified seeds or fruits containing minerals essential for humans. Taking nano-fertilizers and nanopesticides into account, nanotechnology has provided a great opportunity to improve crop productivity and crop protection and has solved some of the challenges that we face today in agriculture. It has been highlighted in recent studies that bioavailability and function of Se in plant growth and metabolism were significantly more efficient in form of nanoparticles (nSe) compared to other natural Se forms such as selenate and selenite [1,2,3,4,5,6]. More detailed investigations are necessary to fill the knowledge gaps
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
