Changes in Anthocyanin Content as Indicator of Maize Sensitivity to Selenium
2008
Hawrylak-Nowak, Barbara
The aim of this experiment was to examine the effect of exogenous selenium (Se) on anthocyanin and chlorophyll accumulation, Se content, as well as the growth of maize (Zea mays var. 'saccharata Kcke') cv. 'Zlota Karlowa' seedlings. Plants were grown hydroponically in Hoagland's nutrient solution at different pH values: 4.5, 6.2, and 7.5. Selenium was added to the solution as either selenate (Na2SeO4) or selenomethionine (C5H11NO2Se) to a final concentration of: 0 (control), 5, 25, 50, and 100 μ M Se. Generally, the presence of Se in the medium caused an increase in the anthocyanin content and a simultaneous decrease of the total chlorophyll concentration depending on the Se form and dosage. Higher concentrations of anthocyanin were detected in the presence of selenomethionine than selenate, notably at pH 4.5. The effect of individual Se forms on maize seedlings, expressed on the basis of the fresh weight, indicate that selenomethionine was more phytotoxic than selenate. Selenium content both in roots and shoots increased linearly with increasing Se concentration in solution culture. However, a much higher Se level was found in the maize organs when plants were supplied with selenomethionine than selenate. Experimental evidence shows that the changes in anthocyanin content can be used as a test parameter reflecting the degree of Se toxicity in maize plants, and may be potential useful for bioindication of Se phytotoxicity in other higher plants.
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