Foliar spraying tea infusion decreases selenium uptake of Cyphomandra betacea in selenium-contaminated soil

Selenium (Se) is one of the essential trace elements for human, but the Se deficiency of most areas resulting in low a Se content in fruits. To increase the Se uptake in fruit trees, the effects of foliar spraying four types of tea (black, green, white, and dark) infusions on the growth and Se uptake of Cyphomandra betacea were studied using a pot experiment. The white and dark tea infusions increased the biomass, superoxide dismutase activity, and catalase activity of C. betacea, while the black and green tea infusions had no significant effects. The green, white, and dark tea infusions increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments in C. betacea, the while the black tea infusions had no significant effects. The black, white, and dark tea infusions increased the peroxidase activity of C. betacea, while the green tea infusion decreased. All tea infusions increased the potassium (K) content in aboveground part of C. betacea and phosphorus (P) content in leaves to some extent. The different tea infusions decreased the Se contents in roots and shoots of C. betacea. Compared to the control, the black, green, white, and dark tea infusions decreased the Se contents in shoots by 16.67%, 27.30%, 33.33%, and 40.07%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the contents of P and K were negatively correlated with the Se content. Therefore, foliar spraying tea infusion can decrease the Se uptake in C. betacea, and the white and dark tea infusions can promote C. betacea growth.

Automated summary

Foliar spraying tea infusions can decrease the Se uptake in C. betacea, and the white and dark tea infusions can promote the growth of C. betacea.