Selenium-mediated modulation of physiological and biochemical traits in chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for both animal and plants having antioxidant and antivirus activities. It is not required in large amount, but its small amount can improve growth and yield. The higher levels of Se in the food depends directly on its amount present in the soil. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Se on the growth and yield of chili ( Capsicum annuum ). Various concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 20 mgL − 1 ; 0, 28.9, 57.8 and 115.6 µM) of sodium selenite were provided as a foliar application after every seven days for two months. Data for various growth parameters like shoot length (cm), root length (cm) and leaf number were collected. Moreover, total protein content and activities of catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also determined. The results showed that number of leaves and fruit length, shoot length, fruit number, fruit diameter, fresh weight, dry weight and root number and diameter was improved while using 57.8 µM concentration of selenium. The content of total soluble protein, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity were increased significantly at 115.6 \(\:\mu\:\) M of sodium selenite. While the root length was recorded less than the untreated plants. Overall, selenium in the form of sodium selenite enhanced the growth and fruit number/biomass and antioxidant enzyme activities in the present investigations.