Evaluation of sunflower metabolism from zinc and selenium addition to the culture: A comparative metallomic study

This work reports the evaluation of sunflower growth under different irrigation conditions and explores a metallomic approach for evaluation of metal and non-metal content in different plant tissues. Sunflowers were cultivated in the presence of zinc (acetate salt) and selenium (as sodium selenite) by adding ca. 230 or 430, and ca. 190 or 350 mg, respectively, during the cultivation period. These plants were compared with controls in terms of some monitored ions (24Mg+, 31P16O+, 32S16O+, 56Fe+, 64Zn+, 80Se+) using ICP-MS. The results highlighted no apparent problem during the development period for those plants cultivated in the presence of zinc. However, higher selenium levels are present mainly in leaves, which can be due to its incorporation in synthesized amino acids such as selenocysteine and selenomethionine.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (299 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Sunflowers treated with selenium translocate most of this element to the leaves. ▶ The absorption of selenium changes the concentration of sulfur in leaves. ▶ Selenium may participate randomly in cysteine biosynthesis pathway. ▶ The levels of Fe, Mg and P are unchanged in Se-treated plants. ▶ Zn-treated sunflowers did not present growth problems even in sterilized soil.