Reducing Cd Uptake and Translocation in Wheat Seedlings through Integrated Approaches Using Nanosilicon and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a significant threat to wheat production and global food security.
• Conventional silicon amendments offer limited protection against Cd toxicity in plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative strategy combining foliar-applied nanosilicon (SiNP) with soil-based microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to mitigate Cd stress in wheat.
• To analyze the physiological responses of wheat under combined SiNP and EPS treatment.

Main Methods:

• Wheat plants were treated with a combination of foliar-applied SiNP and soil-based microbial EPS.
• Physiological responses, including Cd uptake, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthetic capacity, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The combined treatment significantly increased root surface protein and polysaccharide content and elevated wheat thiol compounds.
• Cd uptake was inhibited, with reduced Cd content in roots and leaves, and increased Cd sequestration in cell walls.
• Malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased, while antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic capacity (net photosynthetic rate) were enhanced, improving cellular integrity.

Conclusions:

• The integrated application of SiNP and EPS is a highly effective strategy for alleviating Cd toxicity in wheat.
• This approach enhances wheat's physiological resilience, reduces Cd accumulation, and improves photosynthetic performance.
• Findings offer valuable insights for developing sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food safety in contaminated environments.