Effects of selenium on wheat seedlings under drought stress.

The paper reports the effects of selenium (Se) supply on growth and some physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Shijiazhuang NO. 8) seedlings exposed to drought stress. The growth and physiological responses of seedlings were different depending on the Se concentration. The higher (3.0 mg Se kg(-1)) and lower amount used (0.5 mg Se kg(-1)) did not significantly affect on biomass accumulation. Treatments with 1.0 and 2.0 mg Se kg(-1) promoted biomass accumulation of wheat seedlings. Treatments at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg Se kg(-1) significantly increased root activity, proline content, peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, carotenoids (Car) content, chlorophyll content, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content of wheat seedlings. Lower Se treatment did not significantly effect on chlorophyll content and MDA content, although it also increased some antioxidant index (proline and Car content, POD and CAT activities) in wheat seedlings. These results suggest that optimal Se supply is favorable for growth of wheat seedlings during drought condition.