The modifed qualities of basil plants by selenium and/or ascorbic acid

Abstract

The current research aimed to evaluate the possible impacts of foliar supplementations of selenium (Se) and/or ascorbic acid(AsA) on basil. Seedlings were foliarly treated with 4 concentrations of Se (0, 30, 60, and 120 mg L 1 ) and/or 2 levels of AsA (0 and200 mg L 1), 2 times with 2-week intervals. In contrast to Se 30, chla contents were signifcantly decreased by Se 120 compared with thecontrol. Se applications had a reducing efect on chlb contents. Se and/or AsA treated plants exhibited higher contents of carotenoid. Teantioxidative system was afected by the applied treatments as it was indicated by the induced peroxidase activities, higher ascorbate andglutathione contents, and improved antioxidant activities in Se and/or AsA supplemented samples, among which the highest amountswere found in Se 30-AsA and Se 60-AsA groups. Se and/or AsA utilizations resulted in stimulations in activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase as well as increases in soluble phenol content and proline concentrations. Te supplementations of AsA and/or Se led to increases inproline contents. According to these fndings, the foliar supplementations of Se and AsA at appropriate concentrations trigger desirableefects on plant metabolism, thereby improving nutritional value and resistance to stress conditions.