Interactive effect of 24-epibrassinolide and silicon alleviates cadmium stress via the modulation of antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems and macronutrient content in Pisum sativum L. seedlings

Abstract

Brassinosteroids are a category of steroidal phytohormones that are present in plant parts, including roots [24]; they modulate an extensive range of physiological responses, including cellular and metabolic functions [8].[...]BRs exhibit diverse ameliorative effects against varied stresses such as thermal stress [36], oxidative damage [37], and heavy metal toxicity [38, 39].Keeping in view the alleviation potential of EBL and Si against Cd toxicity, we hypothesize that individual and combined treatment of Si and EBL can modulate biochemical status and anti-oxidant defense system in pea seedlings.[...]this study evaluated the effect of EBL and Si, individually and in combination, on the growth, physiology, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems in pea plants grown under Cd stress.[...]24-EBL enhances the uptake of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in the roots, and these cations are preferentially transported to younger leaves through vascular tissues to reduce Cd translocation [17].[...]24-EBL enhances the absorption of essential inorganic ions, reducesthe uptake of toxic ions, and promotes ion homeostasis, especially K+/Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in the upper leaves, Ca2+/Na+and Mg2+/Na+ in the roots, and K+/Na+ in the petioles [2, 123].[...]the co-application of Si+EBL reduced Cd accumulation by maintaining ion homeostasis, offering better conditions for osmotic adjustment, and blocked Cd uptake by co-precipitation.