Plant growth and steviol glycosides as affected by foliar application of selenium, boron, and iron under NaCl stress in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

An Overview of Hazardous Impacts of Soil Salinity in Crops, Tolerance Mechanisms, and Amelioration through Selenium Supplementation

“…The application of macro-and micro-nutrients is one of the management approaches for coping with environmental stresses such as soil salinity [21]. Selenium (Se) has been considered as a beneficial element for crop production which plays an important role in physio-biochemical processes [22,23].…”

“…Soil salinity is known for its adverse effects on plant growth and development [36]. However, the inhibitory effect of salt stress depends on various factors such as salt concentration, time interval, plant species and varieties, photochemical quenching capacity, plant growth stages, stress type, gas exchange characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and environmental conditions [21]. It was concluded in various studies on Zea mays L. [37], Oryza sativa L. seedlings [38], Vigna unguiculata L. [39], Brassica campestris L. [40], and Vicia faba L. [41] that a low level of salinization increased plant length.…”

“…Various studies revealed that the plant biomass (fresh and dry biomass), number of leaves and leaf area were drastically affected by salinity levels up to 8 dSm −1 [44,46,47]. In the context of plant growth, it has been reported by many researchers that dry matter production and plant growth retardation under salt-affected soils could be subjected to the inhibition of cell elongation [21] through the direct impairment of the activities of transport proteins such as H + -ATPase and H + -PPase [48]. Another reason for plant growth reduction could be the detrimental effects of salinity stress on photosynthesis, ultimately limiting plant and leaf growth and chlorophyll contents [49].…”

“…It has been documented that high salt density is responsible for lower N accretion in plants due to the interaction between Cl − and NO 3 − and between Na + and NH 4 + , which subsequently reduces plant growth and crop yield [51]. Another mechanism behind the reduction of plant growth under saline conditions might be the reduction in photosynthesis due to the plant stomatal closure and the resulting reduction of carbon uptake [21]. A significant reduction in the absorption of nutrient elements due to reduced osmotic pressure has also been reported as a secondary impact of salinity stress on reduced plant nourishment [52].…”

Effects of foliar selenium application on growth and rhizospheric soil micro-ecological environment of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz

“…Se intake at an adequate level, confers a variety of health benefits for humans, while Se intake at a low level is associated with considerable health disorders, including higher risk of cancer, heart disease and a weakened immune system ( Rayman, 2009 ). Although Se is not an essential nutrient for higher plant ( Yan and Gladyshev, 2009 ), Se is recognized as a beneficial element for promoting the growth and stress resistance of plants ( Aghighi Shahverdi et al., 2018 ; da Silva et al , 2020 ; Hartikainen, 2005 ; Hussein et al., 2019 ; Pilon–Smits et al., 2009 ). Selenite and selenate are the two main chemical forms available in the soil and water-soluble Se fertilizers ( Schiavon and Pilon–Smits, 2017 ).…”