2025/08/27 by Rawaa Akrimi, Hajlaoui Hichem, Slimani Rim +1 · 1 voice
Nursing · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Selenium in Biological Systems #Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance #Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects
paper · doi:10.1080/14620316.2025.2546859
openalex publication_date 2025/08/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
The effect of foliar Se application on salt-stressed peppers was investigated. The two-year field experiment consisted of the T0: 3 g NaCl L−1, T1: 6 g NaCl L−1 and T2: 9 g NaCl L−1 saline treatments and two Se doses (Se-: 0 mg L−1 vs Se+:2 mg L−1), exogenously applied from leaf development until fruit maturation. Biometric characters, photosynthetic capacity, water status, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, organic compounds and mineral nutrients were monitored. Data revealed a helpful effect of Se on pepper growth and photosynthetic capacity under T0 and T1. This was linked to an enhanced leaf K+ content and selective absorption of K+ over Na+ under T0+Se+. The beneficial role of Se in the T1 was owed to the significant increase of proline in leaves and stems, thus helping in maintaining cell membrane stability. An activation of protective mechanisms like photochemical quenching (qP) was also noticed in the T1+Se+. Peppers’ sensitivity to T2 is owed to a substantial reduction of net photosynthesis (Pn) relative to T0, oxidative stress and build-up of MDA. The results could indicate that T0 and T1 salinity levels impacts were lessened with Se supply through the enhancement of ion selectivity, osmoprotection and photosynthetic performances.