PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

Foliar application of betaine alleviates cadmium toxicity in maize seedlings

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, ISSN: 0137-5881, Vol: 38, Issue: 4
2016
  • 19
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 12
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    19
    • Citation Indexes
      19
  • Captures
    12

Article Description

Greenhouse hydroponic experiments were performed to investigate the effect of the foliar application of betaine on the growth and physiological traits of maize seedlings in a setting of cadmium (Cd) toxicity. The foliar application of 500 μM betaine for maize exposed to culture medium containing 50 μM Cd significantly alleviated Cd-induced growth inhibition and dramatically decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and shoot Cd concentration. Exogenous betaine significantly elevated the Cd-depressed soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value and improved photosynthetic performance (i.e., net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO concentration, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency). External betaine significantly increased betaine content, shoot soluble protein content and catalase (CAT) activity in shoots and roots, but did not affect the ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activities; furthermore, betaine enhanced the Cd-induced decrease in root Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations and dramatically decreased Cd-induced increases in NaK-, CaMg- and total ATPase activities, which recovered to levels similar to those of the control. Furthermore, addition of betaine ameliorated the Cd-induced damage to the leaf/root ultrastructure. This research may elucidate how betaine improves the stress resistance of crops.

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know