Selenium protects sorghum leaves from oxidative damage under high temperature stress by enhancing antioxidant defense system

Oxidative stress is commonly induced when plants are grown under high temperature (HT) stress conditions. Selenium often acts as an antioxidant in plants; however, its role under HT-induced oxidative stress is not definite. We hypothesize that selenium application can partly alleviate HT-induced oxidative stress and negative impacts of HT on physiology, growth and yield of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of selenium on (a) leaf photosynthesis, membrane stability and antioxidant enzymes activity and (b) grain yield and yield components of grain sorghum plants grown under HT stress in controlled environments. Plants were grown under optimal temperature (OT; 32/22 °C daytime maximum/nighttime minimum) from sowing to 63 days after sowing (DAS). All plants were foliar sprayed with sodium selenate (75 mg L−1) at 63 DAS, and HT stress (40/30 °C) was imposed from 65 DAS through maturity. Data on physiological, biochemical and yield traits were measured. High temperature stress decreased chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic rate and antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidant production and membrane damage. Decreased antioxidant defense under HT stress resulted in lower grain yield compared with OT. Application of selenium decreased membrane damage by enhancing antioxidant defense resulting in higher grain yield. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) content by selenium was greater in HT than in OT. The present study suggests that selenium can play a protective role during HT stress by enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Research highlights
► High temperature stress increases oxidative damage in leaves.
► High temperature stress decreased antioxidant enzyme activity.
► High temperature stress decreased photosynthetic rates and grain yield.
► Foliar application of Se enhanced antioxidant defense system.
► Selenium can play a protective role during high temperature stress conditions.