Physiological and biochemical role of selenium in flavonoids synthesis and biological nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants

Author(s)

Matheus Luís Oliveira Cunha

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Jaboticabal. 2022-12-22.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias. Jaboticabal
• Defense date: 2022-12-20
• Advisor: André Rodrigues dos Reis

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is essential for humans and animals and considered beneficial to plants in low concentrations. Little is known about the role of Se in the nodulation of leguminous plants. This study aimed to: (i) to evaluate the effect of Se on the flavonoid profile in the roots; (ii) nitrogen metabolism and the antioxidant system and (iii) evaluate the effect of Se nutrient profile, carbohydrates, photosynthetic pigments and grain yield of soybean, peanut and cowpea plants. For this, 2 experiments were conducted for each crop, one conducted in soil and another in hydroponics. The treatments carried out in soil were composed of 5 Se doses (0, 7.5, 15, 30 and 45 µg kg1 ) while in hydroponics the treatments were composed of 4 Se concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 µmol L-1 ) applied via soil and nutrient solution, respectively at the V2 phenological stage of plants in the form of sodium selenate. Our results showed that Se supply increases the synthesis of flavonoids (daidzein, genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin and naringerin) in roots which can have a role as chemical signals to increase root infestation by rhizobia, consequently increasing the flow of ureides and antioxidant metabolism in soybean, cowpea and peanut plants, making these plants more tolerant to abiotic stresses and increasing yield. In addition, Se can reduce oxidative stress and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, efficiency of nitrogen metabolism and concentration of photosynthetic pigments in leaves. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/10053-8 - Physiological and biochemical role of selenium on flavonoids biosynthesis and biological nitrogen fixation of legume plants
• Grantee: Matheus Luis Oliveira Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master