The Addition of Selenium to the Nutrient Solution Decreases Cadmium Toxicity in Pepper Plants Grown under Hydroponic Conditions

Summary

Cadmium is absorbed by plants rapidly and without control through the same channels as other essential metals, interfering with their transport and utilization. Many studies have shown that selenium could be utilized as a way to avoid this unwanted transport and other negative effects of Cd. For this reason, the present research study was conducted with four treatments (−Cd/−Se, +Cd/−Se, +Cd/+SeF, and +Cd/+SeR) to determine the type of application of Se that is best (foliarly and/or via the root) as regards the reduction of the toxic effects of Cd on plants. Our results showed that the Cd excess in the nutrient solution resulted in a decrease in the total dry biomass of the plants grown under these conditions, and this decrease was due to the reduction of the growth of the shoot (48% +Cd/−