Exogenous Nitric Oxide Promotes the Growth and Cadmium Accumulation of Alfalfa (<i>Medicago sativa</i>) Seedlings Under Cadmium Stress.

ABSTRACT: As an important bioactive signaling molecule, nitric oxide (NO) participates in the responses of plants to various environmental stresses. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of exogenous NO on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) during early growth. The results showed that Cd significantly inhibited alfalfa seedling growth and induced membrane lipid peroxidation. Addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, as an NO donor) significantly promoted seedling growth and induced the mobilization of seed photosynthate reserves, leading to an increase in total soluble sugar (SS) and reducing sugar (RS) contents. Application of SNP mitigated membrane peroxidation damage caused by Cd stress by enhancing catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX)

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12608502 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature