Chalcogens reduce grain Cd accumulation by enhancing Cd root efflux and upper organ retention in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A seedling-stage sand culture experiment and whole growth period pot experiment were conducted together to investigate the effects of chalcogenide elements (S, Se, Te) on the morphology, photosynthesis, Cd absorption, Cd and mineral nutrient transport, and transporter gene expression of wheat under Cd stress. Compared with S, Se and Te can alleviate wheat Cd toxicity and reduce Cd accumulation more efficiently. Compared with control conditions, S reduced the root Cd concentration by about 20 %, while SeIV and TeIV reduced the root Cd concentration by more than 60 % and the shoot Cd concentration by about 30 %. Chalcogens reduced Cd uptake by increasing root diameter (by about 50 %) and inhibiting lateral root formation under SeIV and TeIV treatments compared to Cd treatment alone. Moreover, chalcogens accelerated Cd efflux by up-regulating TaTM20, thereby reducing Cd accumulation. Meanwhile, chalcogens enhanced Cd isolation in the cell wall and vacuole, reduced the active Cd proportion by increasing synthesis of chelates, and improved wheat Cd tolerance. Spraying Se and Te increased both the photosynthetic rate and yield, while also improving mineral nutrient contents (including magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and molybdenum contents) in wheat grains. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was more effective in reducing upper organ Cd reactivation and inhibiting Cd transport from upper organs to grains, which was able to reduce grain Cd content by 27 % in the 5 mg/kg Cd treatment. Additionally, SeIV and TeIV reduced grain Cd content by 14 % and 16 %, respectively; while SeVI increased Cd content by 11 %. The current study reveals the mechanism by which chalcogens alleviate Cd toxicity and reduce grain Cd accumulation, which provides valuable insights for safe wheat production despite Cd soil contamination.

Automated summary

The study reveals that chalcogenide elements can effectively alleviate wheat toxicity under Cd stress and reduce Cd accumulation. Additionally, selenium and tellurium contribute to increasing root diameter, inhibiting lateral root formation, and reducing Cd uptake.