Gorgan Agricultural University
Abstract: (47 Views)
Among environmental pollutants, heavy metals are particularly concerning due to their persistence and toxic effects, even at low concentrations. Over time, these elements accumulate in the soil, entering the food chain and posing risks to human and ecosystem health. In this study, two commonly cultivated wheat varieties and a promising breeding line were evaluated under different levels of chromium stress in a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Potassium dichromate was applied at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mg/kg of soil. Expression levels of catalase, metallothionein, and ascorbate peroxidase genes were measured using real-time PCR. In addition, biochemical traits such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and oxidative stress index were analyzed. Results showed that chlorophyll a and b levels declined in all genotypes under chromium exposure. Oxidative stress increased with higher potassium dichromate concentrations, with the highest levels observed in the Gonbad cultivar. Gene expression analysis indicated that catalase and metallothionein transcripts increased in response to rising chromium levels. The ascorbate peroxidase gene showed peak expression at 0.5 mg/kg, decreasing at higher concentrations, but still remained above control levels.
Based on these results, the Morvarid cultivar and line N9108 demonstrated greater tolerance to chromium stress and may serve as useful genetic resources for breeding programs targeting heavy metal stress resilience.
Based on these results, the Morvarid cultivar and line N9108 demonstrated greater tolerance to chromium stress and may serve as useful genetic resources for breeding programs targeting heavy metal stress resilience.
Article number: 5
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