Foliar selenium application mitigates low-temperature stress in chilli ( Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings

Cold stress is a severe problem for the plants in tropical regions. In the present study, oxidative responses during low temperature stress in chilli ( Capsicum annuum L.) to confine mechanisms of cold tolerance and also to assess the effects of foliar-applied selenium (Se) on cold stress mitigation in three chilli genotypes with distinct cold tolerant properties. Pot experiments with simulated cold stress at 10 degrees C were conducted. Total chlorophyll, Malonyldialdehyde (MDA), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and antioxidative enzyme activities comprising superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were determined. Exogenous selenium (2.5mg/l for Se2.5, 5mg/l for Se5, and 10mg/l for Se10) was sprayed on either side of chilli leaves which significantly increased chlorophyll, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents against ROS generation due to cold stress. Higher antioxidant activities were recorded in lower concentrations of Se applications. Among the selenium applications, Se2.5 delivers potential stress alleviating role against cold stress induced ROS generation.