Application of Biocat G, Selenium, and Chitosan to Counteract the Negative Effects of Cd in Broccoli Plants Grown in Soilless Culture

Abstract

The accumulation of cadmium in plants produces phytotoxic damage and a decrease in crop yield. To avoid this effect, it is necessary to prevent its absorption by roots and reduce its toxicity in plant tissues. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of the exogenous applications of Biocat G (fulvic/humic acids), selenium (Se), and chitosan to roots and leaves of broccoli plants exposed to Cd stress. The applied treatments were: (i) T1: Hoagland nutrient solution (NS), (ii) T2: NS + Cd at 3 mg L-1 (NS + Cd), (iii) T3: NS + Cd + root application of Biocat G (NS + Cd + BioG), (iv) T4: NS + Cd + foliar application of Se (NS + Cd + Se1), (v) T5: NS + Cd + root application of Se (NS + Cd + Se2), (vi) T6: NS + Cd + foliar application of chitosan (NS + Cd + chitosan1), and (vii) T7: NS + Cd + root application of chitosan (NS + Cd + chitosan2). The results showed that the exogenous application of Biocat G and Se (T3 and T5) ameliorated the adverse effects caused by Cd toxicity and significantly improved plant growth rate by decreasing Cd toxicity; besides, Biocat G was able to limit the transport of Cd from the leaves to the inflorescences, reducing the content of Cd in the edible part. These treatments (T3 and T5) yielded the best results, act on the plants by deactivating Cd toxicity, but they did not affect its accumulation in the plant tissue. In addition, Biocat G limits the transport of Cd from the non-edible to the edible part.

Plant-Based Foods Biofortified with Selenium and Their Potential Benefits for Human Health

“…In another study, humic/fulvic acid mixture plus root application of Se in the nutrient solution reduced the harmful effects caused by Cd toxicity in broccoli plants; furthermore, improvements in growth rate and reduction in Cd transport from leaves to inflorescence were observed [15]. Selenium appears to positively affect cell membrane stability in cucumber plants exposed to Cd, as Cd accumulation in roots was reduced [15]. In addition, selenoproteins act as antioxidant agents in plant metabolism, increasing the activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds that together act against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular detoxification [16].…”

“…Under hydroponic conditions, supplying Se to the nutrient solution delayed and reduced the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on bell pepper plants [14]. In another study, humic/fulvic acid mixture plus root application of Se in the nutrient solution reduced the harmful effects caused by Cd toxicity in broccoli plants; furthermore, improvements in growth rate and reduction in Cd transport from leaves to inflorescence were observed [15]. Selenium appears to positively affect cell membrane stability in cucumber plants exposed to Cd, as Cd accumulation in roots was reduced [15].…”

“…Although it is a very efficient method for product application, it was observed that foliar application of Se did not reduce the toxic effects of Cd on bell pepper plants; whereas, root application with nutrient solution proved to be a more effective method [14]. It is not recommended to apply Se to broccoli plants to mitigate the toxic effects of Cd, as this could further increase its toxicity [15]. Foliar application of a micronutrient mixture (zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) I, and Se) represented an effective strategy for wheat biofortification, without yield effects [18].…”

Controlled Environment Ecosystem: A Cutting-Edge Technology in Speed Breeding

“…Green beans thrived in pots supplemented with peat, perlite, and sand, utilizing subsurface irrigation for nutrient supply . Broccoli flourished in rockwool with Hoagland nutrient solution in a multitunnel greenhouse . Kohlrabi was cultivated using an NFT in a greenhouse .…”

Crop Hydroponics, Phyto-hydroponics, Crop Production, and Factors Affecting Soilless Culture

“…The substrate or growing media determines the water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency, and yield of the crop . Successful cultivation of vegetables and ornamental plants in hydroponic systems using different substrates and nutrient solutions have been reported: for example, carrot in rockwool blocks containing vermiculite with a supply of nutrient solutions through subsurface irrigation in a greenhouse, watermelon grown in aeroponics by NFT, lettuce raised in polystyrene foam + pots with discharge of three nutrient solutions through a floating system in a greenhouse, ginger in pots supplemented coir dust and burnt paddy husk in different proportions with MARDI nutrient solution through irrigation channels in a side-netted rain shelter, green beans in pots supplemented with peat, perlite, and sand with a supply of nutrient solution through subsurface irrigation, broccoli grown in rockwool with supply of Hoagland nutrient solution in a multitunnel greenhouse, kohlrabi ( Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes ) with NFT in a greenhouse, rhododendron flower production in containers containing mixtures of bark, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, hybrid lily in plastic bags containing cocopeat, perlite, and palm trunk in different proportions with discharge of nutrient solution, mustard in hydroponics and aquaponics, tomato, and tomato, cucumber, eggplant, chili pepper, carrot, lettuce, and spinach in an open roof top system …”