Exogenous nitric oxide donor protects Artemisia annua from oxidative stress generated by boron and aluminium toxicity

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signal molecule modulating the response of plants to environmental stress. Here we report the effects of boron (B) and aluminium (Al) contamination in soil, carried out with or without application of exogenous SNP (NO donor), on various plant processes in Artemisia annua, including changes in artemisinin content. The addition of B or Al to soil medium significantly reduced the yield and growth of plants and lowered the values of net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration and total chlorophyll content. The follow-up treatment of NO donor favoured growth and improved the photosynthetic efficiency in stressed as well as non-stressed plants. Artemisinin content was enhanced by 24.6% and 43.8% at 1 mmole of soil-applied B or Al. When SNP was applied at 2 mmole concentration together with either 1 mmole of B and/or Al, it further stimulated artemisinin biosynthesis compared to the control. Application of B+Al+SNP proved to be the best treatment combination for the artemisinin content in Artemisia annua leaves.

► Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signal molecule modulating plant responses to environmental stress.
► Artemisinin content and yield were enhanced at 1 mmole of soil-applied B or Al.
► NO mediation together with B and/or Al further induced artemisinin biosynthesis.
► NO donor (SNP) counteracted B or Al toxicity and also induced artemisinin biosynthesis with B and/or Al.