Fulvic acid mediates chromium (Cr) tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through lowering of Cr uptake and improved antioxidant defense system

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) stress is one of the most adverse environmental factors that affect plant growth and food chain contamination. Fulvic acid (FA) is known to enhance the growth and production of crops, but the studies are scare regarding the application of FA on metal tolerance in plants. The effects of FA application on alleviating Cr phytotoxicity in wheat plants were investigated in a pot experiment conducted in sand- and soil-grown plants. Three Cr (0, 0.25, and 0.50 mM) treatments in the form of K2Cr2O7 were applied in both soils with or without foliar application of 1.5 mg L(-1) FA. Plants were harvested after 4 months of treatments, and data regarding growth characteristics, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzymes were recorded. FA application increased plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzymes while it decreased Cr uptake and accumulation in plants as compared with Cr treatments alone. We conclude that FA application contributes to decreased Cr concentrations in wheat grains and could be used as an amendment when aiming for decreased metal concentration in plants.

Mechanisms of silicon-mediated alleviation of heavy metal toxicity in plants: A review

“…It has been widely reported that accumulation of heavy metals in plants may cause many biochemical, structural and physiological changes (Nagajyoti et al, 2010;Afshan et al, 2015). Heavy metals negatively affected plant growth, biomass and photosynthesis (Wuana and Okieimen, 2011;Adrees et al, 2015;Ali et al, 2015aAli et al, , 2015b. In an excess, heavy metals also affect the accumulation and translocation of essential elements by plants (Wagner, 1993;Wuana and Okieimen, 2011;Zia-ur-Rehman et al, 2015).…”

Effect of different amendments on rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth, yield, nutrient uptake and grain quality in Ni-contaminated soil

“…Heavy metal toxicity in agricultural soils is a serious concern for quality food production on these soils (Adrees et al 2015a;Ali et al 2015;Rizwan et al 2012Rizwan et al , 2016a. Among heavy metals, contamination of soil with nickel (Ni) has become a serious global issue, leading to hazardous health effects as they enter the food chain and cause reduction in agricultural yield (Guo and Marschner 1995;Salt et al 1995;Khaliq et al 2016).…”

Effect of inorganic amendments for in situ stabilization of cadmium in contaminated soils and its phyto-availability to wheat and rice under rotation

“…Soils are not only considered a source of plant growth nutrients but also are the major sink for heavy metals released into the environment like cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) (Adrees et al 2015a;Ali et al 2015a;Ali et al 2015b;Habiba et al 2015;Keller et al 2015). Soil heavy metals can pose risks and hazards to humans and ecological health and can enter the food chain through agricultural products and drinking of contaminated ground water.…”