The role of selenium and biochar nanoparticles in alleviating cadmium stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) examined via morphophysiological traits and organic acid exudation patterns

Abstract

Nanotechnology is capturing great interest worldwide due to their stirring applications in various fields and also individual application of selenium (Se) and biochar nanoparticles (BC−NPs) have been studied in many literatures. However, the combined application of Se and BC−NPs is a novel approach and studied in only few studies. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted to examine various growth and biochemical parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under the toxic concentration of cadmium (Cd) i.e., 50 mg kg⁻¹ which were primed with combined application of Se and BC−NPs i.e., 10 mg L⁻¹. Our results showed that the Cd toxicity in the soil showed a significant declined in the growth, gas exchange attributes and nutrient uptake in T. aestivum. However, Cd toxicity significantly increased oxidative stress biomarkers, organic acids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants including their gene expression in T. aestivum. Although, the application of Se and BC−NPs showed a significant increase in the plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, nutrient uptake, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds and their gene expression and also decreased the oxidative stress and Cd uptake in different parts of the plant. These results open new insights for sustainable agriculture practices and hold immense promise in addressing the pressing challenges of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils.