Deleterious effects induced by high zinc (Zn) concentrations can be alleviated with selenium (Se) co-exposure. Therefore, we analyzed the morphophysiological changes of Billbergia zebrina in response to Zn and Se co-exposure. Plants were cultured in media containing three Zn concentrations (0, 30, and 300 μM) combined with two Se concentrations (0 and 4 μM), for a total of six treatments. At 75 d of culture, the leaf anatomy, chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence, and contents of photosynthetic pigments (Chl) and nutrients were analyzed. The total Chl content declined with rising Zn concentrations. Plants cultured with Se presented a decrease in the Chl a/b ratio and greater total Chl content. Positive L-and K-bands were verified under Se absence and with 30 and 300 μM Zn. Plants showed bioaccumulation capacity and tolerance to excess Zn. Se acted as a modulator to alleviate the Zn stress.
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