We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Dual-Stress Mitigationof Sclerotinia under MicroplasticToxicity by Nano-Selenium: Redox Balance, Pathogen Suppression, andTranscriptome Reprogramming
Summary
Researchers tested whether selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) could protect rapeseed plants from the combined stress of microplastic contamination and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungal infection. SeNPs improved seed germination, reduced oxidative damage, and altered gene expression to restore redox balance — largely reversing the dual stress effects.
Microplastics (MPs) andSclerotinia sclerotiorum (HP) impair plant growth; however, their combined effects and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) mitigation remain unclear. This study assessed SeNPs’ protective role in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under combined biotic-abiotic stress using physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses. SeNPs enhanced seed germination and vigor, whereas MPs reduced the rate of growth. Co-application of SeNPs with MPs alleviated stress by improving photosynthesis, chlorophyll, nitrogen assimilation, and leaf moisture. SeNPs showed strong antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum (EC50 = 9.15 mg/L), resulting in hyphal distortion and reducing the secretion of cellulase, polygalacturonase, and oxalic acid. Under combined stress, SeNPs decreased ROS and lipid peroxidation, modulated H2O2, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, and PAL. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SeNPs restored photosynthetic and defense-related gene expression, modulated MAPK signaling, and enhanced redox balance. Overall, SeNPs mitigate MP-induced phytotoxicity and fungal pathogenicity, highlighting their regulatory potential and the need to consider health risks from environmental MP exposure.