Abstract
The aim of the present review is to summarize selenium’s connection to pests. Phytopharmaceuticals for pest control, which increase the pollution in the environment, are still widely used nowadays regardless of their negative characteristics. The use of trace elements, including selenium, can be an alternative method of pest control. Selenium can repel pests, reduce their growth, or cause toxic effects while having a positive effect on the growth of plants. In conclusion, accumulated selenium protects plants against aphids, weevils, cabbage loopers, cabbage root flies, beetles, caterpillars, and crickets due to both deterrence and toxicity.
Highlights
Selenium: A Powerful ElementThe element selenium (Se) has a narrow range between essentiality and toxicity for living organisms (one order of magnitude)
Phytopharmaceuticals for pest control, which increase the pollution in the environment, are still widely used nowadays regardless of their negative characteristics
Se is chemically similar to sulphur (S), which leads to nonspecific binding of Se instead of S. This disrupts cell metabolism [2,3] and changes the structure of proteins [4] resulting in toxicity
Summary
The element selenium (Se) has a narrow range between essentiality and toxicity for living organisms (one order of magnitude). The perception of this element changed over time. Se is chemically similar to sulphur (S), which leads to nonspecific binding of Se instead of S This disrupts cell metabolism [2,3] and changes the structure of proteins [4] resulting in toxicity. The essentiality of Se as a nutrient was proven for humans and animals only, while for higher plants it is a beneficial element. It is required for optimal growth of green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P.A. Dang.
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