Effect of selenite on growth and water status in broccoli seedlings transplanted under saline stress

BARONI, CLAUDIO; CERATTO, FLORENCIA; MAINA, MARÍA; TROD, BETIANA; GUEVARA, MARÍA GABRIELA; MUÑOZ, FERNANDO

Santa Fe

Simposio; XXXIII Argentinian meeting of plant physyology; 2021

Sociedad Argentina de Fisiología Vegetal

Salinity has negative effects on horticultural crops; affecting growth, development and quality. On the other hand, it is known that selenium is beneficial for certain plant species; since it provides protection under stress conditions such as salinity. Previously, we have been able to determine that the application of 12 µM of sodium selenite improves the quality of broccoli seedlings by increasing root activity. The objective of the work was to evaluate the effect of selenite on growth and water status in broccoli seedlings transplanted under saline stress. The trial was conducted in a plant chamber and treatments consisted of continuous irrigation with 12 µM selenite in 50% Hoagland, from sowing and for 21 days. Subsequently, the seedlings were transplanted into 1 L pots containing inert substrate and were watered with nutrient solution plus the addition of NaCl (0 and 100 mM). After 30 days of saline treatment, the aerial part of the plants was collected to analyse growth and water status. The results showed that salinity significantly reduced the height and number of leaves; however, no effect of selenium was observed (p>0.05). Both salinity and selenium treatment did not modify the chlorophyll index. In contrast, only saline treatment increased electrolyte leakage (p