Selenium promotes sulfur accumulation and plant growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans and a target for biofortification in crops. Sulfur (S) is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. To gain better understanding of Se and S nutrition and interaction in plants, the effects of Se dosages and forms on plant growth as well as on S level in seven wheat lines were examined. Low dosages of both selenate and selenite supplements were found to enhance wheat shoot biomass and show no inhibitory effect on grain production. The stimulation on plant growth was correlated with increased APX antioxidant enzyme activity. Se forms were found to exert different effects on S metabolism in wheat plants. Selenate treatment promoted S accumulation, which was not observed with selenite supplement. An over threefold increase of S levels following selenate treatment at low dosages was observed in shoots of all wheat lines. Analysis of the sulfate transporter gene expression revealed an increased transcription of SULTR1;1, SULTR1;3 and SULTR4;1 in roots following 10 μM Na2 SeO4 treatment. Mass spectrometry-based targeted protein quantification confirmed the gene expression results and showed enhanced protein levels. The results suggest that Se treatment mimics S deficiency to activate specific sulfate transporter expression to stimulate S uptake, resulting in the selenate-induced S accumulation. This study supports that plant growth and nutrition benefit from low dosages of Se fertilization and provides information on the basis underlying Se-induced S accumulation in plants.

Selenium biofortification on garlic growth and other nutrients accumulation

“…The S accumulation in the roots was not significantly affected by the presence of Se. This could be attributed to the increase of the expression of SO 4 -2 transporters due to the presence of SeO 4 -2 , which does not affect the transport of S from the soil to the root in the presence of Se, as explained above (Boldrin et al, 2016).…”

“…The first of them is mainly associated to the increase of the expression of SO 4 -2 transporters due to the presence of SeO 4 -2 . Se mimics S starvation to stimulate transporter expression, and hence, the flux of S assimilation pathway increases facilitating the increased of S and its redistribution (Boldrin et al, 2016). Likewise, another possible mechanism involved in S translocation due to Se in garlic, is related to the interference of Se on S for cysteine biosynthesis.…”

Interaction of sulfur with phytohormones and signaling molecules in conferring abiotic stress tolerance to plants

“…44 It is observed that Se treatment mimics S deficiency to activate specific SO 4 2− transporter expression to stimulate S uptake, resulting in the selenate-induced S accumulation in plants. 45 One of the important S-derivative -H 2 S, has a profound effect on nutrient homeostasis thus conferring abiotic stress tolerance. 46 Although H 2 S is produced in plants in a minor quantity, researchers have identified its nutrient balancing effects using NaHS as H 2 S source exogenously.…”

Recent advances and perspectives in crop biofortification

“…In contrast, application of a selenite/selenate mixture at a concentration of 5 μM exhibits a positive effect on the root and stalk production in wheat (Boldrin et al 2016).…”