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13 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improvement of Phenolic Compounds, Essential Oil Content and Antioxidant Properties of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Depending on Type and Concentration of Selenium Application

by Liubov Skrypnik, Anastasia Novikova and Elina Tokupova

Plants 2019, 8(11), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8110458 - 29 Oct 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 6489

Abstract

The effect of selenium biofortification on phytomass yield, selenium, essential oil and phenolic compounds content as well as antioxidant properties of basil leaves was investigated. Selenium in form of sodium selenate was applied either in nutrient solution or by foliar spraying at three [...] Read more.

The effect of selenium biofortification on phytomass yield, selenium, essential oil and phenolic compounds content as well as antioxidant properties of basil leaves was investigated. Selenium in form of sodium selenate was applied either in nutrient solution or by foliar spraying at three levels (2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 μM). Selenium treatment significantly increased Se concentration in leaves up to 20.23 μg g⁻¹ (addition in nutrient solution) and 10.74 μg g⁻¹ (foliar application). Neither a toxic nor a beneficial effect of Se addition on the plants was observed. Se application of 2 µM Se in nutrient solution and of 5 µM Se by foliar spraying successfully enhanced production of essential oils, hydroxycinnamic acids, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of basil leaves. The anthocyanin content was positively affected only by application of Se in nutrient solution. Considering both an increase in the Se concentration in basil leaves and an increase in the production of phytonutrients, the optimal doses of selenium can be considered to be 5 and 10 μM for Se addition in nutrient solution and by foliar treatment, respectively. The results confirm the possibility of the enrichment of basil plants with selenium and thereby improving the nutritional qualities of the human diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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26 pages, 4806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium Application During Radish (Raphanus sativus) Plant Development Alters Glucosinolate Metabolic Gene Expression and Results in the Production of 4-(methylseleno)but-3-enyl glucosinolate

by Marian McKenzie, Adam Matich, Donald Hunter, Azadeh Esfandiari, Stephen Trolove, Ronan Chen and Ross Lill

Plants 2019, 8(10), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8100427 - 18 Oct 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3686

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, entering the diet mainly through the consumption of plant material. Members of the Brassicaceae are Se-accumulators that can accumulate up to 1g Se kg⁻¹ dry weight (DW) from the environment without apparent ill [...] Read more.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, entering the diet mainly through the consumption of plant material. Members of the Brassicaceae are Se-accumulators that can accumulate up to 1g Se kg⁻¹ dry weight (DW) from the environment without apparent ill effect. The Brassicaceae also produce glucosinolates (GSLs), sulfur (S)-rich compounds that benefit human health. Radish (Raphanus sativus) has a unique GSL profile and is a Se-accumulating species that is part of the human diet as sprouts, greens and roots. In this report we describe the effects of Se-fertilisation on GSL production in radish during five stages of early development (from seed to mature salad greens) and on the transcript abundance of eight genes encoding enzymes involved in GSL metabolism. We tentatively identified (by tandem mass spectrometry) the selenium-containing glucosinolate, 4-(methylseleno)but-3-enyl glucosinolate, with the double bond geometry not resolved. Two related isothiocyanates were tentatively identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as (E/Z?) isomers of 4-(methylseleno)but-3-enyl isothiocyanate. Se fertilisation of mature radish led to the presence of selenoglucosinolates in the seed. While GSL concentration generally reduced during radish development, GSL content was generally not affected by Se fertilisation, aside from the indole GSL, indol-3-ylmethyl glucosinolate, which increased on Se treatment, and the Se-GSLs, which significantly increased during development. The transcript abundance of genes involved in aliphatic GSL biosynthesis declined with Se treatment while that of genes involved in indole GSL biosynthesis tended to increase. APS kinase transcript abundance increased significantly in three of the four developmental stages following Se treatment. The remaining genes investigated were not significantly changed following Se treatment. We hypothesise that increased APS kinase expression in response to Se treatment is part of a general protection mechanism controlling the uptake of S and the production of S-containing compounds such as GSLs. The upregulation of genes encoding enzymes involved in indole GSL biosynthesis and a decrease in those involved in aliphatic GSL biosynthesis may be part of a similar mechanism protecting the plant’s GSL complement whilst limiting the amount of Se-GSLs produced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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17 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Selenium and Copper Nanoparticles on Yield, Antioxidant System, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Plants

by Hipólito Hernández-Hernández, Tomasa Quiterio-Gutiérrez, Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego, Hortensia Ortega-Ortiz, Alma Delia Hernández-Fuentes, Marcelino Cabrera de la Fuente, Jesús Valdés-Reyna and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado

Plants 2019, 8(10), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8100355 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 107 | Viewed by 7129

Abstract

The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants are contrasting; these depend on the model plant, the synthesis of the nanoparticles (concentration, size, shape), and the forms of application (foliar, substrate, seeds). For this reason, the objective of this study was to report the [...] Read more.

The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on plants are contrasting; these depend on the model plant, the synthesis of the nanoparticles (concentration, size, shape), and the forms of application (foliar, substrate, seeds). For this reason, the objective of this study was to report the impact of different concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) NPs on yield, antioxidant capacity, and quality of tomato fruit. The different concentrations of Se and Cu NPs were applied to the substrate every 15 days (five applications). The yield was determined until day 102 after the transplant. Non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant compounds were determined in the leaves and fruits as well as the fruit quality at harvest. The results indicate that tomato yield was increased by up to 21% with 10 mg L⁻¹ of Se NPs. In leaves, Se and Cu NPs increased the content of chlorophyll, vitamin C, glutathione, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and phenylalanine ammonia liasa (PAL). In fruits, they increased vitamin C, glutathione, flavonoids, firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity. The combination of Se and Cu NPs at optimal concentrations could be a good alternative to improve tomato yield and quality, but more studies are needed to elucidate their effects more clearly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

17 pages, 4682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium Accumulation, Speciation and Localization in Brazil Nuts (Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K.)

by Leonardo W. Lima, Gavin C. Stonehouse, Christina Walters, Ali F. El Mehdawi, Sirine C. Fakra and Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits

Plants 2019, 8(8), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8080289 - 16 Aug 2019

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5931

Abstract

More than a billion people worldwide may be selenium (Se) deficient, and supplementation with Se-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency. Since different forms of Se have different nutritional value, and Se is toxic at elevated levels, careful seed [...] Read more.

More than a billion people worldwide may be selenium (Se) deficient, and supplementation with Se-rich Brazil nuts may be a good strategy to prevent deficiency. Since different forms of Se have different nutritional value, and Se is toxic at elevated levels, careful seed characterization is important. Variation in Se concentration and correlations of this element with other nutrients were found in two batches of commercially available nuts. Selenium tissue localization and speciation were further determined. Mean Se levels were between 28 and 49 mg kg⁻¹, with up to 8-fold seed-to-seed variation (n = 13) within batches. Brazil nut Se was mainly in organic form. While present throughout the seed, Se was most concentrated in a ring 1 to 2 mm below the surface. While healthy, Brazil nuts should be consumed in moderation. Consumption of one seed (5 g) from a high-Se area meets its recommended daily allowance; the recommended serving size of 30 g may exceed the allowable daily intake (400 μg) or even its toxicity threshold (1200 μg). Based on these findings, the recommended serving size may be re-evaluated, consumers should be warned not to exceed the serving size and the seed may be sold as part of mixed nuts, to avoid excess Se intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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18 pages, 4432 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Selenium on Alleviating Oxidative Stress Caused by a Water Deficit in Cucumber Roots

by Weronika Jóźwiak and Barbara Politycka

Plants 2019, 8(7), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8070217 - 11 Jul 2019

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 5116

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of selenium in the roots of Cucumis sativus L. seedlings pre-treated with selenium (Se) in the form of sodium selenite at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 µM, and then subjected to [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of selenium in the roots of Cucumis sativus L. seedlings pre-treated with selenium (Se) in the form of sodium selenite at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 µM, and then subjected to a water deficit (WD). It has been hypothesized that Se, in low concentrations, alleviates an oxidative stress caused by a WD in the cucumber roots. A WD was introduced by the surface dehydration of roots. The aim of the research was to compare the changes accompanying oxidative stress in plants growing in the presence of Se and in its absence. The study concerns the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—superoxide anions (O₂^•−), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH)—as well the activities of the antioxidant enzymes lowering the ROS level—ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A WD caused oxidative stress, i.e., the enhanced generation of ROS. Selenium at the concentrations of 1 and 5 μM increased the tolerance of cucumber seedlings to oxidative stress caused by a WD by increasing the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and it also limited the damage of plasma membranes as a result of the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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10 pages, 910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium in Germinated Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Increases the Stability of Its Oil Fraction

by Daniela Guardado-Félix, Sergio O. Serna-Saldivar, Janet A. Gutiérrez-Uribe and Cristina Chuck-Hernández

Plants 2019, 8(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8050113 - 27 Apr 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3465

Abstract

Selenium is an essential mineral in human nutrition. In order to assess its effect on the stability of chickpea oil, seeds were germinated and tested with different amounts of sodium selenite (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/100g seeds) for four days. Oil was [...] Read more.

Selenium is an essential mineral in human nutrition. In order to assess its effect on the stability of chickpea oil, seeds were germinated and tested with different amounts of sodium selenite (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/100g seeds) for four days. Oil was extracted from sprouted chickpea and its physical properties, fatty acid profile (FAME), oxidative stability index (OSI), lipase and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities, cellular antioxidant activity (CAA), and phenolics and carotenoids were assessed and compared to chickpea seed oil. The amount of chickpea oil and its acid value (AV) increased during germination. The OSI increased by 28%, 46% and 14% for 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/100g compared with non-selenium treated sprouts. Phenolics increased up to 36% and carotenoids reduced by half in germinated sprouts with and without selenium compared to seeds. Carotenoids increased by 16% in sprouts treated with 1.0 mg/100 g selenium compared to their counterparts without selenium. FAME was not affected by treatments but samples with the highest selenium concentration increased lipase activity by 19% and decreased lipoxygenase activity by 55% compared with untreated sprouts. The CAA of oils increased by 43% to 66% in all germinated treatments compared with seeds. Results suggest that Se-enriched chickpea sprouts could represent an excellent source of oil with a high OSI and CAA, associated with a reduction in LOX activity and an increase in phenolics, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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16 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Selenium Biofortification and Beneficial Microorganism Inoculation on Yield, Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Shallot Bulbs

by Nadezhda Golubkina, Svetlana Zamana, Timofei Seredin, Pavel Poluboyarinov, Sergei Sokolov, Helene Baranova, Leonid Krivenkov, Laura Pietrantonio and Gianluca Caruso

Plants 2019, 8(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8040102 - 17 Apr 2019

Cited by 71 | Viewed by 5062

Abstract

Plant biofortification with selenium in interaction with the application of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based formulate, with the goal of enhancing Se bioavailability, is beneficial for the development of the environmentally friendly production of functional food with a high content of this microelement. [...] Read more.

Plant biofortification with selenium in interaction with the application of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based formulate, with the goal of enhancing Se bioavailability, is beneficial for the development of the environmentally friendly production of functional food with a high content of this microelement. Research was carried out in order to assess the effects of an AMF-based formulate and a non-inoculated control in factorial combination with two selenium treatments with an organic (selenocystine) or inorganic form (sodium selenate) and a non-treated control on the yield, quality, antioxidant properties, and elemental composition of shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group). Selenocystine showed the best effect on the growth and yield of mycorrhized plants, whereas sodium selenate was the most effective on the non-inoculated plants. The soluble solids, total sugars, monosaccharides, titratable acidity, and proteins attained higher values upon AMF inoculation. Sodium selenate resulted in higher soluble solids, total sugars and monosaccharide content, and titratable acidity than the non-treated control, and it also resulted in higher monosaccharides when compared to selenocystine; the latter showed higher protein content than the control. Calcium, Na, S, and Cl bulb concentrations were higher in the plants inoculated with the beneficial microorganisms. Calcium and sodium concentrations were higher in the bulbs of plants treated with both the selenium forms than in the control. Selenocystine-treated plants showed enhanced accumulation of sulfur and chlorine compared to the untreated plants. The AMF inoculation increased the bulb selenium content by 530%, and the Se biofortification with selenocystine and sodium selenate increased this value by 36% and 21%, respectively, compared to control plants. The AMF-based formulate led to increases in ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity when compared to the non-inoculated control. The bulb ascorbic acid was increased by fortification with both selenium forms when compared to the non-treated control. The results of our investigation showed that both AMF and selenium application represent environmentally friendly strategies to enhance the overall yield and quality performances of shallot bulbs, as well as their selenium content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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19 pages, 4640 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Selenium Biofortification Differentially Affects Sulfur Metabolism and Accumulation of Phytochemicals in Two Rocket Species (Eruca Sativa Mill. and Diplotaxis Tenuifolia) Grown in Hydroponics

by Stefano Dall’Acqua, Andrea Ertani, Elizabeth A.H. Pilon-Smits, Marta Fabrega-Prats and Michela Schiavon

Plants 2019, 8(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8030068 - 16 Mar 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5238

Abstract

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0–40 μM in hydroponics and its effects on [...] Read more.

Biofortification can be exploited to enrich plants in selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient for humans. Selenium as selenate was supplied to two rocket species, Eruca sativa Mill. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild rocket), at 0–40 μM in hydroponics and its effects on the content and profile of sulphur (S)-compounds and other phytochemicals was evaluated. D. tenuifolia accumulated more total Se and selenocysteine than E. sativa, concentrating up to ~300 mg Se kg⁻¹ dry weight from 10–40 μM Se. To ensure a safe and adequate Se intake, 30 and 4 g fresh leaf material from E. sativa grown with 5 and 10–20 μM Se, respectively or 4 g from D. tenuifolia supplied with 5 μM Se was estimated to be optimal for consumption. Selenium supplementation at or above 10 μM differentially affected S metabolism in the two species in terms of the transcription of genes involved in S assimilation and S-compound accumulation. Also, amino acid content decreased with Se in E. sativa but increased in D. tenuifolia and the amount of phenolics was more reduced in D. tenuifolia. In conclusion, selenate application in hydroponics allowed Se enrichment of rocket. Furthermore, Se at low concentration (5 μM) did not significantly affect accumulation of phytochemicals and plant defence S-metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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Review

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26 pages, 3096 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selenium Interactions with Algae: Chemical Processes at Biological Uptake Sites, Bioaccumulation, and Intracellular Metabolism

by Dominic E. Ponton, Stephanie D. Graves, Claude Fortin, David Janz, Marc Amyot and Michela Schiavon

Plants 2020, 9(4), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9040528 - 19 Apr 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4584

Abstract

Selenium (Se) uptake by primary producers is the most variable and important step in determining Se concentrations at higher trophic levels in aquatic food webs. We gathered data available about the Se bioaccumulation at the base of aquatic food webs and analyzed its [...] Read more.

Selenium (Se) uptake by primary producers is the most variable and important step in determining Se concentrations at higher trophic levels in aquatic food webs. We gathered data available about the Se bioaccumulation at the base of aquatic food webs and analyzed its relationship with Se concentrations in water. This important dataset was separated into lotic and lentic systems to provide a reliable model to estimate Se in primary producers from aqueous exposure. We observed that lentic systems had higher organic selenium and selenite concentrations than in lotic systems and selenate concentrations were higher in lotic environments. Selenium uptake by algae is mostly driven by Se concentrations, speciation and competition with other anions, and is as well influenced by pH. Based on Se species uptake by algae in the laboratory, we proposed an accurate mechanistic model of competition between sulfate and inorganic Se species at algal uptake sites. Intracellular Se transformations and incorporation into selenoproteins as well as the mechanisms through which Se can induce toxicity in algae has also been reviewed. We provided a new tool for risk assessment strategies to better predict accumulation in primary consumers and consequently to higher trophic levels, and we identified some research needs that could fill knowledge gaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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9 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selenium as a Protective Agent against Pests: A Review

by Špela Mechora

Plants 2019, 8(8), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8080262 - 01 Aug 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5013

Abstract

The aim of the present review is to summarize selenium’s connection to pests. Phytopharmaceuticals for pest control, which increase the pollution in the environment, are still widely used nowadays regardless of their negative characteristics. The use of trace elements, including selenium, can be [...] Read more.

The aim of the present review is to summarize selenium’s connection to pests. Phytopharmaceuticals for pest control, which increase the pollution in the environment, are still widely used nowadays regardless of their negative characteristics. The use of trace elements, including selenium, can be an alternative method of pest control. Selenium can repel pests, reduce their growth, or cause toxic effects while having a positive effect on the growth of plants. In conclusion, accumulated selenium protects plants against aphids, weevils, cabbage loopers, cabbage root flies, beetles, caterpillars, and crickets due to both deterrence and toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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13 pages, 1343 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

On the Ecology of Selenium Accumulation in Plants

by Elizabeth A. H. Pilon-Smits

Plants 2019, 8(7), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8070197 - 30 Jun 2019

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 7347

Abstract

Plants accumulate and tolerate Se to varying degrees, up to 15,000 mg Se/kg dry weight for Se hyperaccumulators. Plant Se accumulation may exert positive or negative effects on other species in the community. The movement of plant Se into ecological partners may benefit [...] Read more.

Plants accumulate and tolerate Se to varying degrees, up to 15,000 mg Se/kg dry weight for Se hyperaccumulators. Plant Se accumulation may exert positive or negative effects on other species in the community. The movement of plant Se into ecological partners may benefit them at low concentrations, but cause toxicity at high concentrations. Thus, Se accumulation can protect plants against Se-sensitive herbivores and pathogens (elemental defense) and reduce surrounding vegetation cover via high-Se litter deposition (elemental allelopathy). While hyperaccumulators negatively impact Se-sensitive ecological partners, they offer a niche for Se-tolerant partners, including beneficial microbial and pollinator symbionts as well as detrimental herbivores, pathogens, and competing plant species. These ecological effects of plant Se accumulation may facilitate the evolution of Se resistance in symbionts. Conversely, Se hyperaccumulation may evolve driven by increasing Se resistance in herbivores, pathogens, or plant neighbors; Se resistance also evolves in mutualist symbionts, minimizing the plant’s ecological cost. Interesting topics to address in future research are whether the ecological impacts of plant Se accumulation may affect species composition across trophic levels (favoring Se resistant taxa), and to what extent Se hyperaccumulators form a portal for Se into the local food chain and are important for Se cycling in the local ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selenium Metabolism and Accumulation in Plants)

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