Effect of nanoselenium and sodium selenate on some of physiological and biochemical parameters of Vasha (Dorema ammoniacum L.)

Selenium with antioxidant properties, has positive effects on growth and development of biological activities of many plants but its excessive levels in soil causes physiological problems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of selenium (bulk) and nanoselenium on some of physiological and biochemical of Vasha, in a completely randomized experiment. Selenium in form of sodium selenate was applied in nutrient solution at concentrations (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg L–1) and nanoselenium at concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg L–1). The results showed that application of both bulk and nano-Se treatments significantly increased plant growth parameters (i.e. length of roots and shoot, the root and shoot fresh and dry weights), as well as the content of photosynthetic pigment, total flavonoids, total phenol, anthocyanin and carbohydrate content by 2.5 mg L–1 and 10 mg L– 1 of selenium and nanoselenium respectively. Moreover, the abovementioned concentrations were associated with a significant increase in plant antioxidant activity. All treatments reduced malondialdehyde. The most increase in chlorophyll a was observed at a concentration of 10 mg L-1 nano-Se, which decreased with increasing selenium concentration compared to the control treatment. The results showed that the positive effect of selenium on the growth and increase of phenolic compounds depends on the type and concentration of selenium application.