A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) on the status of essential micronutrients in garden pea (Pisum sativum L.). The aim of the study was to verify whether Se affects the growth and essential micronutrient concentration, partitioning and translocation among individual plant parts of garden pea. Plants were grown under growth chamber conditions in Hoagland’s nutrient solution No.1. Selenium was supplied to nutrient solution in the form of sodium selenite or sodium selenate, at concentrations of 10 and 20 µmol dm-3, when plants were in the stage of the first pair of leaves. After 7 days, the fresh and dry matter of shoots, hypocotyls and roots as well the concentrations of Se and essential micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Mo, Cu and B) in individual plant parts were determined. Concentrations of Se and micronutrients were analysed with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Pea seedlings absorbed Se from the nutrient solution and accumulated it mainly in roots. More Se was accumulated in seedlings when it had been applied in the form of selenate than selenite. Se application at a higher concentration (20 µmol dm-3) limited the increase of dry weight of shoots. Moreover, Se in both forms reduced the water content mainly in roots, wherein the effect of selenate was stronger and occurred also in aerial parts. Under the influence of Se, a decrease in the accumulation in pea seedlings and translocation to shoots of Fe, Zn, Mn, B and Cu was found. However, this was not observed in the case of Mo. The results suggest that the Se effect exerted on translocation of micronutrients was caused by dehydration associated with membrane damage of roots.  

4.23.2018