Methyl Jasmonate and Nitrogen Interact to Alleviate Cadmium Stress in Mentha arvensis by Regulating Physio-Biochemical Damages and ROS Detoxification

Abstract

We examined effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJ), with and without N, for the alleviation of the adverse effects of 150 mg kg−1 CdCl2 stress in mentholmint (Mentha arvensis) plants. Exposure of mentholmint plants to Cd stress reduced morphological growth parameters, photosynthetic attributes, chlorophyll content and mineral nutrient assimilation rate. Cd stress significantly increased endogenous leaf and root Cd content by 67.10% and 83.05%, respectively, electrolyte leakage by 67.26%, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by 56.66% and malondialdehyde content by 53.97% over that of the control. Cd stress upregulated activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased osmolyte concentration. Application of 1 µM MeJ to Cd-stressed plants partially alleviated the Cd-induced oxidative stress; however, co-application of MeJ with inorganic N reversed the detrimental effects more than did MeJ or N alone. Combined application of MeJ + N further elevated the osmolyte levels and markedly increased mineral nutrient contents and nitrogen use efficiency. MeJ + N significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly or indirectly through higher stimulation of ROS-scavenging enzymes and decreased the root-to-shoot Cd rate of translocation. Cd-induced stomatal inhibition was recovered by MeJ and N. Our study demonstrated the regulatory role of MeJ and N in overcoming Cd stress in mentholmint plants. The study is the first report of regulatory interaction of the exogenous phytohormone (MeJ) with inorganic nutrient (N) for enhancing Cd stress tolerance in mentholmint plants, the same concept can be used for remediation of toxic metal/metalloids in agricultural production.