Selenium concentration in St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) herb after foliar spraying of young plants under different UV-B radiation levels

Abstract

Abstract St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) was grown under different levels of UV-B radiation, with selenium (10 mg l−1 Se applied by foliar spraying in the form of sodium selenate) or without foliar Se application. The different levels of UV-B radiation comprised an enhanced level simulating 17% ozone depletion, ambient level, and a reduced level of UV-B radiation. The concentration of Se in unsprayed plants was from 20 ng g−1 to 120 ng g−1. The concentration of Se in the organs of plants foliarly sprayed with Se ranged from 1000 ng g−1 to 12,000 ng g−1, the highest concentration being detected in plants grown under reduced levels of UV-B radiation. Foliar application of Se fertiliser is feasible and effective in St. John’s wort and results in Se-enriched nutritional supplements.