The Oxidative Damage and Morphological Changes of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaves at Seedlings Stage Exposed to Boron Deficiency in Hydroponics

Boron (B) deficiency influences sugar beet development and productivity. A hydroponic set up of experiment was conducted by utilizing different B concentrations to study the impact of different morphological and physiological responses of sugar beet seedlings under B deficiency. The results showed that B deficiency (14 days of stress) inhibited the growth of different plant parts of sugar beet. The B deficiency significantly increased the leaf specific weight (SLW) and the root-shoot ratio of sugar beet seedlings. The activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a decreasing tendency under B deficiency, while the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O-2(-)) increased with B concentration. Malonaldehyde (MDA) and proline contents were induced at B deficiency. In conclusion, B deficiency significantly reduced dry weight and leaf area, resulting in stunted sugar beet seedlings. It was manifested by a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and accumulation of ROS in the plant cells, inducing oxidative stress. The current study revealed that B deficiency affects plant growth and various morpho-physiological processes.

Automated summary

Boron (B) deficiency inhibits sugar beet seedling growth, leading to stunted plant parts growth, increased leaf specific weight, and enlarged root-shoot ratio. Additionally, deficiency in B results in decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, inducing oxidative stress in plant cells.