Brassinosteroids induce plant tolerance against phenanthrene by enhancing degradation and detoxification in Solanum lycopersicum L.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic to both plants and animals. The enhancement of plant tolerance and detoxification capacity is important for the plant-based remediation of PAHs. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the metabolism of a three-ringed PAH (phenanthrene—PHE) and subsequent stress tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. Exposure to PHE (300 μM) for 21 d significantly decreased biomass and net CO2 assimilation (Pn) but induced photoinhibition, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and antioxidant enzymes. Obvious ultrastructural alterations were observed in the PHE-treated root tip cells. Importantly, the foliar application of EBR (0.1 μM) significantly increased biomass, Pn and antioxidant enzyme activities but decreased MDA and H2O2 compared with PHE alone and saved the root cells from severe damage. The expression of detoxification genes (CYP90b3, GSH1, GST1), reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione S-transferase activity in the EBR+PHE-treated plants were higher than those of PHE alone. Additionally, lower levels of PHE residues in the roots were observed as a result of EBR+PHE treatment. Taken together, our results strongly suggest an enhanced and coordinated detoxification and degradation of PHE by EBR.

► Phenanthrene (PHE) inhibited growth and photosynthesis (Pn) in tomato plant.
► Over production of reactive oxygen species by PHE caused oxidative damage.
► Almost all antioxidant enzymes and glutathione contents were induced by PHE.
► Application of brassinosteroids improved Pn and further increased antioxidants.
► Brassinosteroid promotes degradation and detoxification of PHE.