Researchers Find Promising Approach to Mitigate Cadmium Stress in Mung Bean Cultivars

A research team led by Prof. XU Hailiang from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has demonstrated an effective approach to mitigate cadmium (Cd) stress in mung bean cultivars using salicylic acid (SA) priming. This study was recently published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Cadmium, a toxic environmental pollutant, poses a significant threat to plant growth, physiology, and productivity. The researchers subjected three mung bean cultivars (NM-2006, NM-92, and Mash-88) to Cd stress, applying SA to assess its protective effects. They monitored the plants' physiological and biochemical responses to evaluate how SA alleviated Cd-induced damage.

The researchers found that Cd exposure severely impacted key growth parameters, including chlorophyll content, root and shoot lengths, and induced cellular damage as evidenced by elevating levels of oxidative stress markers, such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde.

Among the tested cultivars, NM-2006 showed the highest sensitivity to Cd stress, while NM-92 demonstrated the best response to SA treatment, and Mash-88 exhibited the greatest resilience overall, reflecting its potential as a Cd-tolerant cultivar.

Through detailed biochemical analysis,the researchers discovered that salicylic acid priming significantly reduced the detrimental effects of Cd by enhancing the mung bean cultivars' antioxidant defense mechanisms. SA application boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes, modulated phytohormonal responses, and decreased oxidative stress, thus improving overall plant health.

"We find compelling evidence that SA priming serves as an effective and environmentally sustainable approach to mitigate heavy metal toxicity in crops," said Abdul Waheed, first author of this study.

This study holds significant implications for improving agricultural productivity in Cd-contaminated regions and enhancing crop tolerance to environmental stress.

Article link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136878 

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn