Comparative Study for the Effect of Selenium and Nano-Selenium on Wheat Plants Grown under Drought Stress

This study was conducted to examine the effect of selenium (Se) and nano-Se on drought stress tolerance in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Plants were treated with two concentrations of Se (25 and 50 mg/L) and nano-Se (2 and 5 mg/L) and three concentrations of PEG (0, 10 and 15%). drought stress considerably led to a decrease in wheat plants growth. It stimulated the production of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. The obtained results proposed that Se and nano-Se were capable to maintain the wheat plants by restoring growth and decreasing the oxidative injury. Se and nano-Se application caused up-regulation of compatible solutes accumulation such as proline and soluble sugar in stressed-plants. Se and nano-Se operated as stimulator for antioxidant enzymes activities in wheat plants and led to the improvement of plant tolerance under drought stress conditions. The secondary metabolites such as phenol, flavonol, tocopherol and anthocyanin, which are non-enzymatic antioxidants, heightened under the impact of Se and nano-Se to decline the negative effects of drought. These secondary compounds detoxify reactive oxygen species and also decrease lipid peroxidation of membrane. Our findings showed that Se and nano-Se application promoted the physio-chemical features of wheat plants and supported them for cope on drought stress.