Haniyeh Saadat, Mohammad Sedghi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium on germination indicators and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat seedlings under salinity stress.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2022. Experimental treatments included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) and four selenium priming levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 µM)
Results: The results showed that salinity stress decreased mean daily germination (MDG) and seedling length (SL) but increased daily germination rate (DGR) and allometric coefficient (AC). Seed priming with selenium increased MDG and SL. The comparison of means showed significant differences among selenium levels, with the highest values obtained from the 75 µM selenium treatment and the lowest from the control (without selenium). The lowest germination coefficient (GC) was observed under the 150 mM salinity treatment. The activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase increased by 49%, 71%, and 70%, respectively, in the 75 µM selenium treatment under 150 mM salinity compared to the control. Selenium also increased catalase enzyme activity, with the highest catalase activity (0.469 U mg-1 protein min-1) observed in the 75 µM selenium treatment.
Conclusions: The results showed that seed priming with selenium, by stimulating antioxidant enzymes and neutralizing free radicals, can reduce the harmful effects of salinity on certain traits in wheat seedlings and improve seedling growth.
Highlights
- Seed priming with 75 µM selenium improved germination indices of wheat seeds under salinity.
- Seed priming with 75 µM selenium increased the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes.
