Application of iron on improving antimony tolerance in Salvia spinosa

Antimony (Sb) is a potential threat to living organisms, but very little is known on strategies manage its toxicity in plants. This study aimed to clarify the role of Fe on alleviation Sb toxicity in a metallicolous population of Salvia spinose and its mechanisms. With regard to the toxicity of Sb in plants and the importance of Fe potential in alleviation of Sb toxicity, S. spinosa was treated with 0 and 27 mg l^-1 Sb (Ш or V) along with 0, 50 and 300 μM FeEDTA in a hydroponic system. The plants exposure to iron minimized the uptake of both Sb species by Salvia roots. The limitation of H₂O₂ generation in response to co-application of Fe with Sb was followed by counterbalancing the antioxidant enzymes (e.g. catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase), phenols, flavonoids, lipid membrane preservation, and increase of the carbohydrates and proteins contents, which altogether improved growth in Sb-stressed plants. The Sb (III) toxicity to plants was much higher than Sb (V), but 300 μM Fe was significantly efficient in reducing Sb damages to Salvia. Altogether, application of Fe could efficiently alleviate the physiological and morphological functions in Sb-stressed Salvia.