Selenium and Nano-Selenium in Environmental Stress Management and Crop Quality Improvement (Sustainable Plant Nutrition in a Changing World)

Crop plants growing under field conditions are constantly exposed to various abiotic and biotic stress factors leading to decreased yield and quality of produce. In order to achieve sustainable development in agriculture and to increase agricultural production for feeding an increasing global population, it is necessary to use ecologically compatible and environmentally friendly strategies to decrease the adverse effects of stresses on the plant. Selenium is one of the critical elements from the biological contexts because it is essential for human health; however, it becomes toxic at high concentrations. It has been widely reported that selenium can promote plant growth and alleviate various stresses as well as increase the quantity and quality of the yield of many plant species. Nonetheless, at high concentrations, selenium causes phytotoxicity. In the last decade, nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent tool for enhancing agricultural productivity. The production and applicationsof nanoparticles (NPs) have greatly increased in many industries, such as energy production, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection. The application of NPs has attracted interest for their potential to alleviate abiotic and biotic stresses in a more rapid, cost-effective, and more sustainable way than conventional treatment technologies. Recently, research related to selenium-NPs-mediated abiotic stresses and nutritional improvements in plants has received considerable interest by the scientific community. While significant progress was made in selenium biochemistry in relation to stress tolerance, an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the selenium- and nano-selenium-mediated stress tolerance and bio-fortification in plants is still lacking. Gaining a better knowledge of the regulatory and molecular mechanisms that control selenium uptake, assimilation, and tolerance in plants is therefore vital and necessary to develop modern crop varieties that are more resilient to environmental stress. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of selenium- and nano-selenium-mediated environmental stress tolerance and crop quality improvements in plants. It helps researchers to develop strategies to enhance crop productivity under stressful conditions and to better utilize natural resources to ensure future food security and to reduce environmental contamination. Finally, this book is a valuable resource for promoting future research into plant stress tolerance, and a reference book for researchers working on developing plants tolerant to abiotic and biotic stressors as well as bio-fortification and phytoremediation. Preface Contents About the Editors Chapter 1: Sources of Selenium and Nano-Selenium in Soils and Plants 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Sources of Selenium and Nano-Se in Soils and Plants 1.3 Bioavailability of Se and Nano-Se in Soil and Controlling Factors 1.3.1 Soil pH and Redox Potential (Eh) 1.3.2 Soil Organic Matter 1.3.3 Parent Materials 1.3.4 Land Use 1.3.5 Soil Amendments 1.4 Microbial Transformation of Se and Nano-Se in Soils 1.5 Selenium and Nano-Se for Human Health 1.6 Conclusions References Chapter 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Selenium Using Plant Biomolecules and Their Potential Applications 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Plants-Mediated Synthesis of the Selenium Nanoparticles 2.3 Mechanism of the Synthesis of the Selenium Nanoparticles 2.4 Applications of Selenium Nanoparticles in Medicine 2.4.1 Anticancer Activity 2.4.2 Drug/Gene Delivery 2.4.3 Drug Resistance 2.4.4 Diabetes and Associated Complications 2.4.5 SeNPs in Inflammatory Diseases 2.4.6 Cerebral Protection 2.4.7 Reproductive System Protection 2.4.8 Thyroid Protection and Cardiovascular Protection 2.5 Conclusion References Chapter 3: Selenium and Nano-Selenium as a New Frontier of Plant Biostimulant 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Biochemical Process of Ionic Selenium and Nano-Selenium as Plant Biostimulants 3.2.1 Ionic Selenium 3.2.1.1 Effect of Ionic Selenium in Primary Metabolites 3.2.1.2 Effect of Selenium in Secondary Metabolites 3.2.2 Nano-Selenium (nSe) 3.3 3 Ionomic Process of Ionic Selenium and Nano-Selenium as Plant Biostimulants 3.3.1 Ionic Selenium 3.3.2 Nano-Selenium (nSe) 3.4 Conclusion References Chapter 4: Selenium and Nano-Selenium for Plant Nutrition and Crop Quality 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Selenium and Nano-Se for Plant Nutrition 4.3 Selenium and Nano-Se for Improving Crop Quality 4.4 Selenium and Nano-Se for Mitigating Stress in Plants 4.4.1 Salinity and Drought Stress 4.4.2 Stress from Temperatures 4.4.3 Stress from Heavy Metals 4.5 Se and Nano-Se for Efficient Removal of Pollutants 4.6 Conclusions References Chapter 5: Uptake and Metabolism of Selenium in Plants: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Uptake and in planta Transport of Se in Higher Plants 5.2.1 Selenate Uptake Routes 5.2.2 Selenite Uptake Routes 5.2.3 Absorption of Organic Selenium Forms 5.2.4 In planta Transport of Se Forms 5.3 Pathways of Se Metabolism in Plants 5.3.1 Se Metabolism in Non-accumulators 5.3.2 Se Metabolism in Accumulators and Hyperaccumulators 5.4 Selenium Speciation in Plants 5.5 Conclusions and Future Perspectives References Chapter 6: Selenium- and Se-Nanoparticle-Induced Improvements of Salt Stress Tolerance in Plants 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Effects of Salinity on Plant Growth and Physiology 6.2.1 Osmotic Stress 6.2.2 Salt-Specific Stress 6.2.3 Oxidative Stress 6.3 Efficiency of Selenium Supplementation in Mitigation of Salt Stress 6.3.1 Selenite, Selenate, and Selenide 6.3.2 Nano-selenium 6.4 Importance of the Chemical Form of Selenium and the Application Method in Amelioration of Plant Salt Stress 6.5 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References Chapter 7: Selenium and Nano-Selenium-Mediated Drought Stress Tolerance in Plants 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Selenium: A Promoter of Plant Growth and Development 7.3 Different Modes of Se Administration in Plants 7.4 Selenium Toxicity and Its Role in Combating Various Abiotic Stresses in Plants 7.5 Role of Selenium and Nano-Selenium in Mitigating Drought Stress 7.5.1 ROS Generation and Signaling under Drought Stress 7.5.2 Effect of Antioxidant on ROS Reduction 7.6 Plant Hormones Under Drought Stress 7.6.1 Selenium Regulates Response of ABA in Guard Cells Under Drought Stress 7.7 Genetic Control of Selenium-Mediated Drought Stress Alleviation in Plants 7.8 Role of Nano-Selenium in Alleviating Drought Stress 7.9 Conclusion References Chapter 8: Selenium and Nano-Selenium-Mediated Heat Stress Tolerance in Plants 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Influence of Se and nSe on Plant Adaptability and Quality Traits 8.3 Induction of Heat Stress Tolerance by Se- and nSe-Mechanistic Insights 8.3.1 Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacity 8.3.2 Heat-Shock Proteins (HSPs) 8.3.3 Growth and Mineral Nutrition 8.3.4 Pigments and Photosynthetic Activity 8.3.5 Primary and Secondary Metabolism 8.4 Molecular Mechanisms of Se- and nSe-Mediated HS Tolerance in Plants 8.5 Conclusions References Chapter 9: Selenium- and Nano-Selenium-Mediated Cold-Stress Tolerance in Crop Plants 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 Low-Temperature Stress 9.1.2 Selenium and Nano-Selenium 9.2 The Responses of Plants to Low-Temperature Stress 9.2.1 Impacts on Plant Morphology and Growth 9.2.1.1 Changes in Plant Morphology 9.2.1.2 Changes in Plant Growth and Development 9.2.2 Impacts on Plant Membrane System 9.2.3 Impacts on Photosynthesis and Respiration 9.2.3.1 Impacts on Photosynthesis 9.2.3.2 Impacts on Respiration 9.2.4 Impacts on Plant Endogenous Hormones 9.2.5 Effects on Plant Soluble Sugars 9.2.6 Effects on Amino Acids in Plants 9.2.7 Effects on Plant Soluble Proteins 9.3 The Influence of Selenium and Nano-Selenium on Sulfur Metabolism 9.4 The Mitigation Effects of Selenium and Nano-Selenium on Low-Temperature Stress 9.4.1 Regulating the Proline and MDA Contents 9.4.2 Promoting Protein Metabolism 9.4.3 Regulating Photosynthesis 9.4.4 Regulating Respiratory Metabolism 9.4.5 Promoting Chlorophyll Synthesis and Metabolism 9.4.6 Promoting Plant Antioxidant Systems 9.4.7 Mode of Action 9.4.7.1 Antioxidant Mechanisms 9.4.7.2 The Ascorbic Acid–Glutathione (ASA–GSH) Cycle 9.5 Selenium Regulates Chilling Injury, Low Temperature, and Gene Expression 9.6 Progress in the Study of Selenium-Regulating Chilling Injury 9.6.1 Effects on Genomic Characteristics 9.6.2 Effects on Proteomics Characteristics References Chapter 10: Selenium and Nano-Selenium-Mediated Arsenic Stress Tolerance in Plants 10.1 Introduction 10.2 General Properties of Selenium and Nano-Selenium 10.3 Interaction of As and Se Species in Plants 10.4 Role of Se and Nano-Se in the Defense Mechanism 10.5 Selenium Reduces As Toxicity: Transcriptomic and Proteomic Aspect 10.6 The Proteomic Aspect of Se-Mediated Mitigation of As Toxicity 10.7 Conclusion and Future Prospective References Chapter 11: Selenium and Nano-Selenium-Mediated Biotic Stress Tolerance in Plants 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Selenium as Eco-Friendly Inducer 11.3 Metabolism of Selenium in Plants 11.4 Application of Se-NPs against Mycotoxins Production 11.5 Management of Biotic Stress in Plants by Selenium and Se-NPs 11.5.1 Antimicrobial Activity 11.5.2 Antiviral Activity 11.5.3 Nematicidal Activity 11.6 Mechanisms of Selenium and Se-NPs-Mediated Biotic Stress Tolerance 11.6.1 Mechanisms for Antimicrobial Activity 11.6.2 Mechanism for Antiviral Activity 11.6.3 Mechanism for Nematicidal Activity 11.7 Conclusion References Chapter 12: Selenium Bioavailability and Nutritional Improvement in Crop Plants 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Se as an Emerging Micronutrient of Immense Importance 12.3 Se Bioavailability 12.4 Factors Affecting the Bioavailability of Selenium 12.4.1 The Selenium in Soil: Chemical Complexities 12.4.2 Physio-Chemical Properties of Soil 12.4.3 The Effects of Climatic Conditions 12.5 Transport of Selenium in Plants 12.6 Accumulation of Selenium in Plants 12.7 Interaction of Selenium with Macronutrients and Heavy Metals 12.8 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References Chapter 13: Effect of Selenium Application on Quality Improvements of Seeds and Fruits 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Selenium (Se) in Soil 13.3 Se Uptake and Assimilation in Plants 13.4 Strategies of Se Enrichment in Plants 13.4.1 Selenium as a Seed Priming Agent 13.4.2 Selenium Application in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution 13.4.3 Soil Application of Selenium 13.4.4 Foliar Application of Selenium 13.4.4.1 Arable Crops 13.4.4.2 Fruit Crops 13.5 Conclusion References Chapter 14: Application of Selenium and Nano-selenium in Abiotic Stress Management, Crop Improvement, and Agro-biotechnology 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Uptake, Accumulation, and Transportation of Selenium in Plants 14.3 Selenium and Nano-selenium Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Plants 14.3.1 Tolerance to Drought Stress 14.3.2 Tolerance to Salinity Stress 14.3.3 Tolerance to High- and Low-Temperature Stresses 14.3.4 Responses to Heavy Metal Toxicity 14.3.5 Responses to Elevated UV Radiation 14.4 Impacts of Selenium and Nano-selenium on Crop Improvement and Agro-biotechnologies 14.5 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References Chapter 15: Selenium Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Selenium Toxicity and Toxicity Mechanisms 15.2.1 Se Toxicity and Proteins 15.2.2 Se Toxicity and Reactive Species 15.2.3 Se Toxicity and Hormonal Status 15.2.4 Se Toxicity and Nutritional Homeostasis 15.3 Se Tolerance and Its Background 15.3.1 Se Tolerance Mechanisms 15.3.2 Se Tolerance and Reactive Species 15.4 Conclusions and Future Perspectives References Chapter 16: Manipulation of Selenium Metabolism in Plants for Tolerance and Accumulation 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Genetic Engineering of Se Accumulation and Tolerance 16.2.1 Manipulation of Selenium Transport 16.2.2 Manipulation of Genes Implied in Selenate Reduction 16.2.3 Manipulation S-Related Genes for Averting Se-Amino Acid Incorporation into Proteins 16.2.4 Manipulation S-Unrelated Genes for Increasing se Tolerance 16.3 Potential of Genetic Engineering for Se Biofortification and Phytoremediation 16.4 Considerations and Future Directions References Chapter 17: Biological Activity of Selenium in Plants: Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms of Phytotoxicity and Tolerance 17.1 The Physicochemical Similarity of Selenium to Sulphur Determines the Biological Activity of Selenium in Plants 17.2 Plants Vary in the Resistance and Ability to Accumulate Selenium 17.3 Main Causes of Selenium Phytotoxicity: Malformed Selenoproteins and Oxidative/Nitro-Oxidative Stress 17.4 Mechanisms of Selenium Resistance and Tolerance 17.5 Beneficial Role of Selenium in Plants: Growth-Promoting Effects and Enhanced Stress Tolerance 17.6 Selenium Biofortification Improves the Quality of Yield 17.7 Conclusions References Chapter 18: Use of Selenium Accumulators and Hyperaccumulators in Se-Phytoremediation Technologies: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Selenium Uptake, Metabolism, and Speciation 18.2.1 Plant Uptake of Selenium 18.2.2 Accumulation Metabolism in Plants 18.2.3 Plant Speciation in Plants 18.3 Selenium Phytoremediation Studies 18.3.1 Selenium Phytoremediation in Terrestrial Systems 18.3.2 Selenium Phytoremediation in Aquatic Systems 18.4 Affecting Factors During Field Phytoremediation 18.4.1 Plant Selection for Se Phytoremediation 18.4.2 Crop Rotation in the Field 18.4.3 Predators Frequenting Crops and Soils 18.4.4 Water Management Strategies 18.5 Future Prospects References Chapter 19: Selenium in Food Chain in Relation to Human and Animal Nutrition and Health 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Selenium in Animal Tissue 19.2.1 Absorption, Metabolism, and Excretion of Selenium 19.3 Absorption, Metabolism, Excretion, and Homeostasis of Selenium in Human 19.3.1 Absorption and Metabolism of Selenium 19.3.2 Excretion of Selenium 19.3.2.1 Urinary Excretion of Selenium 19.3.2.2 Fecal Excretion of Selenium 19.3.2.3 Pulmonary Excretion of Selenium 19.3.2.4 Selenium Excretion Through Hair and Nails 19.3.3 Selenium Homeostasis 19.4 Selenoproteins 19.4.1 Glutathione Peroxidase 19.4.1.1 Glutathione Peroxidase-1 19.4.1.2 Glutathione Peroxidase-2 19.4.1.3 Glutathione Peroxidase-3 19.4.1.4 Glutathione Peroxidase-4 19.4.1.5 Glutathione Peroxidase-6 19.4.2 Iodothyronine Deiodinases 19.4.3 Selenoprotein P 19.4.4 Thioredoxin Reductase 19.4.5 Other Selenoproteins 19.5 The Role of Selenium on Animal Health 19.5.1 Functions and Evaluation of Selenium in Animals 19.5.2 Deficiency Symptoms of Selenium in Animals 19.5.2.1 Diseases Related to Selenium Deficiency in Animals White Muscle Disease Exudative Diathesis Hepatosis Dietetica The Effect of Selenium Deficiency on the Reproductive System The Effect of Selenium Deficiency on the Immune System 19.5.3 Diseases Related to Selenium Accumulation in Animals 19.5.3.1 Acute Selenosis 19.5.3.2 Chronic Selenosis 19.5.3.3 The Effects of Selenium Excess on the Reproductive System 19.6 The Role of Selenium on Human Health 19.6.1 Deficiency Symptoms of Selenium in Human 19.6.1.1 Keshan Disease and Its Etiology Features of Keshan Disease 19.6.1.2 Kashin-Beck Disease and Its Etiology 19.6.1.3 Selenium and Cancer 19.6.1.4 Selenium and Thyroid 19.6.2 Selenium Toxicity in Human 19.6.3 Selenium and Apoptosis 19.7 Conclusions References Chapter 20: Multifaceted Role of Phyto-assisted Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) in Biomedical and Human Therapeutics 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Plant-Derived SeNPs: Alternative Approaches 20.2.1 Phytofabrication of SeNPs 20.2.2 SeNPs Green Synthesis Protocol 20.3 Methods Used for Characterization of SeNPs 20.4 Biomedical Potential of Phytofabricated SeNPs 20.4.1 SeNPs in Cancer Treatment 20.4.2 Antidiabetic Properties 20.4.3 Antioxidant Application Potential 20.4.4 Antimicrobial Applications 20.4.5 Antiviral Properties of SeNPs 20.4.6 Hepatoprotective Applications 20.5 Conclusions References