Inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae promotes selenium accumulation and transformation in pepper (Capsicum annuum...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient for human health.
• Mycorrhizal fungi, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), are known to improve nutrient availability in plants.
• Limited research exists on AMF's role in selenium accumulation and transport in pepper plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of AMF inoculation and exogenous selenium on pepper plant growth.
• To determine the impact of AMF and selenium on selenium accumulation and transformation in peppers.
• To identify optimal conditions for selenium enrichment in peppers using AMF.

Main Methods:

• A pot experiment was conducted using pepper plants.
• Plants were inoculated with AMF and treated with varying concentrations of exogenous selenium.
• Measurements included plant growth, selenium content, antioxidant activity, and key enzyme activities (SMT, ATPS, APR).

Main Results:

• Exogenous selenium showed dual effects: promoting growth at low concentrations (≤8 mg L⁻¹) and inhibiting it at high concentrations (>16 mg L⁻¹).
• AMF inoculation significantly increased pepper yield, vitamin C, flavonoid, capsaicin content, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS).
• AMF inoculation reduced selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT) activity while minimally affecting ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) and adenosyl sulfate reductase (APR) activities.

Conclusions:

• AMF inoculation positively influences selenium accumulation and transport in pepper plants.
• The combination of AMF and 8 mg L⁻¹ exogenous selenium is the most effective for selenium enrichment in peppers.
• This study provides insights into enhancing selenium content in peppers through AMF and exogenous selenium application.