The Role of Nano-selenium in Alleviating the Effects of Salt Stress in Date Palm Trees (Phoenix dactylifera L.): a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Study

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the biochemical changes in date palm leaves which induced different NaCl concentrations (2.5 (control), 5, 10 and 20 dS m−1). It was also used to determine the potential role of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) at concentrations of 80 and 160 ppm in alleviating salinity stress of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) trees. Results showed the appearance of a new peak at 2850 cm−1 in the lipid region (2800–3000 cm−1) when date palm trees were exposed to salinity stress. This peak was not observed in the control treatment or when salinity was combined with foliar spraying of Se NPs. Furthermore, a clear and distinct peak at 1735 cm−1 was only seen in plants exposed at 10 or 20 dS m−1 salinity. This peak was attributed to membrane lipid compounds that contain carbonyl ester groups. In addition, the findings demonstrated that the treatments affected the secondary structure of proteins (1500–1800 cm−1) and carbohydrates (1200–1500 cm−1). This was evident by the appearance and disappearance of some characteristic peaks in these regions.