Foliar-Applied Selenium Nanoparticles Alleviate Cadmium Stress Through Changes in Physio-Biochemical Status and Essential Oil Profile of Coriander (Coriandrumsativum L.) Leaves

Since large areas of agricultural soils around the world are contaminated by Cd, a cost-effective and practical method is needed for the safe production of edible plants. The effective role of many nanomaterials to improve plant yield and alleviate environmental pollutions is addressed; however, selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) potential has not been well-known yet. The aim of this work was to investigate foliar application of Se-NPs on yield, water content, proline concentration, phenolic content, lipid peroxidation, and essential oil (EO) attributes of coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) under Cd stress. This study consisted of Cd contamination (0, 4, and 8 mg L -1 ) and foliar application of Se-NPs (0, 20, 40, and 60 mg L -1 ) in a hydroponic system. The results showed enhanced Cd concentration of root and shoot of coriander under Cd stress; however, Se-NPs alleviate the uptake of Cd. There were observed the decreased shoot and root weight, chlorophyll (Chl) content and relative water content (RWC) by progressing Cd toxicity, but Se-NPs improved these attributes. Moderate Cd stress and 40 or 60 mg L -1 Se-NPs increased phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as EO yield. Proline concentration and malondialdehid (MDA) increased by enhancing Cd stress, but Se-NPs decreased MDA. The GC/MS analysis showed that the main EO constitutes were n-decanal (18.80-29.70%), 2E-dodecanal (14.23-19.87%), 2E-decanal (12.60-19.40%), and n-nonane (7.23-12.87%), representing different amounts under Cd pollution and Se-NPs. To sum up, 40-60 mg L -1 Se-NPs are effective in alleviating Cd stress.