Effects of selenium on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Selenium (Se) supply (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 mg kg−1) on the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, Se accumulation and distribution of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Results showed that low-dose Se treatments (≤6 mg kg−1) stimulated plant growth but high-dose Se treatments (≥12 mg kg−1) hindered plant growth. Optimal Se dose (6 mg kg−1) stimulated plant growth by reducing MDA content and improving photosynthetic capability. However, excess Se (24 mg kg−1) increased MDA content by 28%, decreased net photosynthetic rate and carboxylation efficiency by 34% and 39%, respectively. The Se concentration in the roots, stems, and leaves of the tobacco plants significantly increased with increasing Se application. A linear correlation (R = 0.95, P leaf > stem. The Se concentration in the roots was 3.17 and 7.57 times higher than that in the leaves and stems, respectively, after treatment with 24 mg kg−1 Se. In conclusion, the present study suggested that optimal Se dose (6 mg kg−1) improved the plant growth mainly by enhancing photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency and Rubisco content in the flue-cured tobacco leaves. However, the inhibition of excess Se on tobacco growth might be due to high accumulation of Se in roots and the damage of photosynthesis in leaves.

Keywords

• flue-cured tobacco
• selenium (Se)
• photosynthesis
• carboxylation efficiency
• Rubisco content