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Progress in Elucidating the Mechanism of Selenium in Mitigating Heavy Metal Stress in Crop Plants

Author

Listed:
  • Shuqing Jia

    (School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430048, China
    National R&D Center for Se-Rich Agricultural Products Processing, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China)

  • Qing Guan

    (School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430048, China
    National R&D Center for Se-Rich Agricultural Products Processing, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China)

  • Yulong Niu

    (School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430048, China
    National R&D Center for Se-Rich Agricultural Products Processing, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China)

  • Ye Wang

    (School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430048, China
    National R&D Center for Se-Rich Agricultural Products Processing, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China)

  • Linling Li

    (National R&D Center for Se-Rich Agricultural Products Processing, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China)

  • Hua Cheng

    (School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430048, China)

Abstract

In the context of rapid industrialization and agricultural modernization, the issue of heavy metal (HM) pollution has surfaced as a critical concern, posing a substantial threat to human health and having a profound impact on agricultural cultivation. Selenium (Se), a beneficial micronutrient for crop growth and development, exerts numerous beneficial effects, including facilitating photosynthesis, enhancing physiological attributes, improving nutritional quality, strengthening antioxidant systems, and modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes. Notably, Se plays a pivotal role in alleviating HM stress in crops and effectively mitigating the accumulation of HMs in edible plant parts. This study investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Se’s capacity to alleviate HM stress in crops. Additionally, we discuss the application of Se-enriched fertilizers in agricultural practices, as well as the influence of environmental factors on their effectiveness. Our objective is to contribute to sustainable agricultural development and the production of safe, high-quality agricultural products, thereby providing valuable insights for the development of Se-functional industries and guiding agricultural practices in regions affected by HM pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuqing Jia & Qing Guan & Yulong Niu & Ye Wang & Linling Li & Hua Cheng, 2025. "Progress in Elucidating the Mechanism of Selenium in Mitigating Heavy Metal Stress in Crop Plants," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:2:p:204-:d:1570127
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Haizhao Xu & Jinpeng Yan & Yan Qin & Jingmao Xu & M. J. I. Shohag & Yanyan Wei & Minghua Gu, 2020. "Effect of Different Forms of Selenium on the Physiological Response and the Cadmium Uptake by Rice under Cadmium Stress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Zhouping Liu & Qiaofen Zhang & Tiqian Han & Yanfei Ding & Junwei Sun & Feijuan Wang & Cheng Zhu, 2015. "Heavy Metal Pollution in a Soil-Rice System in the Yangtze River Region of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Takashi Sugiyama & Nobuyuki Ishii & Yuka Ebihara & Kazutaka Shiomi & Hitoshi Mochizuki, 2021. "Detailed Analysis of Neurological Symptoms and Sensory Disturbances Due to Chronic Arsenic Exposure in Toroku, Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-8, October.
    4. Shengchun Li & Huoyun Chen & Shuochen Jiang & Fengqin Hu & Danying Xing & Bin Du, 2023. "Selenium and Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Improves Potato Root Function, Photosynthesis, Yield and Selenium Enrichment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-12, March.
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