The defensive benefit and flower number cost of selenium accumulation in Brassica juncea.

ABSTRACT: Some plant species accumulate selenium in their tissues in quantities far above soil concentrations, and experiments demonstrate that selenium can serve as a defence against herbivores and pathogens. However, selenium may also cause oxidative stress and reduce growth in plants. We measured growth, selenium accumulation and herbivory in four varieties of the selenium accumulator Brassica juncea to investigate the cost of accumulation as well as its benefit in reducing herbivory. We measured selenium levels, plant size and flower number in four varieties of B. juncea watered with sodium selenate or treated as controls. We also conducted no-choice herbivory trials on leaves from both treatments with the specialist herbivore Pieris rapae. The selenate treatment slightly in

SUBMITTER: Steven JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6757350 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature