Research articleSeed soaking in I and Se solutions increases concentrations of both elements and changes morphological and some physiological parameters of pea sprouts

- Concentrations of both elements were increased in sprouts.
- Se(VI) increased, Se(IV) decreased iodine content in leaves.
- I(-I) had no effect but I(V) reduced the uptake of Se in sprouts and roots.
- I and Se in soaking solution affect ETS activity, tocopherol and glutathione content.
- Biochemical parameters suggest adaptation of plants to stress in their early growth.

Pea (Pisum sativum L., cv. 'Petit Provencal') seeds were soaked in solutions of different iodine (I) and selenium (Se) forms (1000 mg I L−1 and 10 mg Se L−1). Iodine and selenium content in different parts of pea sprouts, as well as morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics were measured in sprouts. The results showed increased concentrations of both elements in sprouts grown from treated seeds. Soaking influenced the biomass and height of the sprouts. Significant differences between plants grown from treated seeds in comparison with control plants were also observed for electron transport system activity and concentrations of tocopherol and glutathione. On the other hand, the content of photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanins remained similar as in control plants. Potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II was close to theoretical maximum 0.8 in all samples. From the pattern of changes of stress indicators we suppose that plants adapted to the stress earlier in the experiment, i.e. before they were sampled for physiological measurements.

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