Selenium treatment promotes anthocyanin accumulation in radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.) by its regulation of photosynthesis and sucrose transport

Red radish sprout become a popular dietary vegetable because of its unique flavor, abundant nutrients and short production cycle. As a cruciferous plant, it has strong ability to absorb and assimilate Se which can promote the content of anthocyanin in plants. However, the mechanisms of Se on anthocyanin accumulation are still unclear. In this study, we explored that appropriate Se promoted growth, antioxidant system and nutrients in radish sprouts. The enhancement of photosynthesis by Se treatment resulted in more sucrose synthesis in radish sprouts. And the transport of sucrose from cotyledon to hypocotyl promoted by Se through up-regulating the gene expression of sucrose transporters, and more sucrose increased the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes to promote anthocyanin accumulation in hypocotyl. These results reveal the beneficial effect of Se on radish sprouts quality, and provide a new insight into the function of Se on sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation in radish sprouts.

Automated summary

Red radish sprouts have become popular as a dietary vegetable due to their unique flavor, abundant nutrients, and short production cycle. This study explored the effect of selenium (Se) on the growth, antioxidant system, and nutrient accumulation in radish sprouts. The results showed that Se treatment enhanced photosynthesis and increased sucrose synthesis in radish sprouts. This, in turn, promoted the transport of sucrose and the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, leading to anthocyanin accumulation in hypocotyls. These findings provide new insights into the beneficial role of Se in improving the quality of radish sprouts.