Protecting spring wheat plants using selenium and pesticides

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Optimizing crop protection is crucial for sustainable agriculture, balancing efficacy with minimal environmental and health impacts.
• Chemical plant protection products (pesticides) can exhibit phytotoxicity, negatively affecting crop growth and yield.
• Sodium selenite (selenium) is explored for its potential to mitigate pesticide side effects and enhance crop quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of combining sodium selenite with various pesticides on spring wheat (Yubileinaya 80 variety) yield and grain quality.
• To evaluate different application methods and timings of sodium selenite in conjunction with fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides.
• To identify optimal treatment strategies that enhance crop productivity while minimizing negative impacts.

Main Methods:

• Vegetative experiments were conducted using spring wheat (Yubileinaya 80).
• Combinations of sodium selenite and different classes of pesticides (fungicide, herbicide, insecticide) were applied.
• Two methods of sodium selenite application (including seed treatment before sowing) were tested alongside various pesticide application timings.

Main Results:

• Pesticide application alone led to phytotoxicity, evidenced by inhibited root and shoot growth and impaired assimilate distribution.
• Pre-sowing seed treatment with selenium significantly reduced pesticide phytotoxicity.
• Optimal combinations of sodium selenite and pesticides enhanced wheat yield, grain quality, and improved the microstructure of the grain's fruit shell.

Conclusions:

• Selenium treatment, particularly before sowing, effectively mitigates pesticide-induced phytotoxicity in spring wheat.
• The synergistic effect of sodium selenite and specific pesticide combinations improves crop yield and grain quality.
• Enhanced grain microstructure due to selenium treatment can reduce processing losses and improve the quality of processed products.