Selenium nanoparticles from <i>Dermacoccus abyssi</i> MT1.1<b>ᵀ</b> improve water status, biomass, and antioxidant defense in tomato under salt stress.
Rangseekaew P, Hoijang S, Srinuanpan S, Meethangdee M, Intarasit S, Pathom-Aree W.
Crop Improvement
If you've ever tried growing tomatoes near a coastal garden or in soil that's been irrigated for years, salt buildup is a silent yield-killer — and this bacterial nanoparticle treatment could become a spray-on solution that sidesteps that problem.
Salty soil is a huge problem for growing food because it stresses plants and stunts their growth. Researchers discovered that tiny particles made from selenium — created naturally by deep-sea bacteria — can act like a shield for tomato seedlings, helping them hold onto water, stay healthier, and fight off the damaging effects of salt. The treated plants grew better and produced more biomass even when the salt levels were high enough to seriously harm untreated plants.
Key Findings
Selenium nanoparticles at 5 mg/mL caused no toxic effects on tomato germination across salt concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl
Under high salt stress (150 mM NaCl), SeNP-treated seedlings showed increased fresh and dry weights along with higher proline and soluble sugar accumulation, improving relative water content
SeNPs reduced hydrogen peroxide levels and boosted antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and guaiacol peroxidase), directly countering salt-induced oxidative damage
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists used bacteria from the deep sea to create tiny selenium particles that help tomato plants survive salty soil — a major farming challenge worldwide. The nanoparticles reduced plant stress, boosted water retention, and strengthened antioxidant defenses without harming germination.
Abstract Preview
Salt stress severely limits plant growth and agricultural productivity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising strategy to alleviate salinity stress. This study investigated the biogenic synthes...
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