Abstract
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.