Alleviation of chromium toxicity by glycinebetaine is related to elevated antioxidant enzymes and suppressed chromium uptake and oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
Little information is available on the role of glycinebetaine (GB) in chromium (Cr) tolerance while Cr toxicity is widespread problem in crops grown on Cr-contaminated soils. In this study, we investigated the influence of GB on Cr tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in sand and soil mediums. Three concentrations of chromium (0, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) were tested with and without foliar application of GB (0.1 M). Chromium alone led to a significant growth inhibition and content of chlorophyll a, b, proteins and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Glycinebetaine foliar application successfully alleviated the toxic effects of Cr on wheat plants and enhanced growth characteristics, biomass, proteins, and chlorophyll contents. Glycinebetaine also reduced Cr accumulation in wheat plants especially in grains and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes in both shoots and roots. This study provides evidence that GB application contributes to decreased Cr concentrations in wheat plants and its importance in the detoxification of heavy metals.
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.
Shafaqat
S
Ali
Aaifa
A
Chaudhary
Muhammad
M
Rizwan
Hafiza Tania
HT
Anwar
Muhammad
M
Adrees
Mujahid
M
Farid
Muhammad Kashif
MK
Irshad
Tahir
T
Hayat
Shakeel Ahmad
SA
Anjum
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001622:Betaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018533:Biomass; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D000077194:Chlorophyll A; D002857:Chromium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D014908:Triticum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development
D000975:Antioxidants; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D002857:Chromium; D002734:Chlorophyll; C085815:chlorophyll a'; D001622:Betaine; D000077194:Chlorophyll A