Selenium Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity in Pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.) by Reducing Accumulation, Enhancing Stress Resistance, and Promoting Growth

The enrichment of cadmium (Cd) is an important factor threatening crop growth and food safety. However, it is unclear whether exogenous selenium (Se) can simultaneously achieve Cd reduction and promote the growth of peppers. This study used Yuefeng 750 and Hongtianhu 101 as materials and investigated the interaction effects of different Se-Cd concentrations (Cd = 2 and 5 μM; Se = 0, 0.5, and 2 μM) on the uptake and transport of Cd and Se, resistance physiology, and growth and development of pepper seedlings in a hydroponic experiment. The organ Cd content was significantly increased in pepper seedlings, inhibiting their growth and aggravating their physiological stress under Cd application. However, the growth and photosynthetic capacity of peppers were promoted after Se application under Cd stress. The superoxide anion (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and abscisic acid (ABA) contents and indole-3-acetic acid oxidase (IAAO) activity in the leaves showed a significantly progressive decline, while the proline (Pro), ascorbic acid (ASA), and trans zeatin riboside (ZR) contents showed a significant rising trend. Thus, the growth, development, and dry matter accumulation of peppers were enhanced by reducing Cd stress. Meanwhile, the application of exogenous Se significantly improved the accumulation of Se in seedlings. In addition, compared to Hongtianhu 101, the Yuefeng 750 cultivars had a greater Cd and Se enrichment capacity. The cultivation of Cd-excluding cultivars combined with exogenous Se addition can be used as a recommended solution to reduce Cd toxicity and achieve Cd reduction and Se enrichment in peppers under Cd pollution.