Selenium alleviates growth characteristics, plant pigments, photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under low temperature

Se in optimal concentrations may help to expand the plant tolerance to the different abiotic stresses. In this regard, the effect of foliar application of sodium selenate (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg of Na2SeO4) at two temperature conditions: 1. Optimal temperature (OT, 26 ± 3 °C) and 2. Cold temperature (CT, 13 ± 3 °C) was compared. The results showed that under CT, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, and length of pre-treated plant with 2 mg.L−1 Se were more suitable than untreated plants, although selenium under OT declined these characteristics. The pre-treatment of 2 mg. L−1 of Se under CT was conducive to, the 6.75% dry weight higher than that non-treated plants with Se under low temperature conditions. Also under CT conditions, pretreatment of plants with 2 mg. L−1 Se increased H2O2 production by 102% compared to non-treated plants with selenium. However, it was about 25.56% lower than the untreated plants with selenium under CT. It is interesting to note that under the CT conditions, pretreatment of 2 mg. L −1 Se reduced the content of MDA by 10.28% compared to the same temperature conditions and no Se pretreatment. Foliar application of 2 mg.L−1 Se is recommended to improve basil endure in CT and biofortification with Se under both OT and CT. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd