Biochemical changes, biomass production, and productivity of Triticum aestivum as a function of increasing molybdenum application

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of soil-applied different molybdenum concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 2.5, 12.5 or 62.5 mg kg⁻¹) in the form of sodium molybdate on growth performance, seed production, biochemical parameters, and uptake of Mo in wheat were investigated. Results indicate that Mo doses higher than 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ of soil were observed to be toxic to wheat and retarded the growth as well as seed production. The change in biochemical constituents were correlated with soil Mo concentrations. Chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents increased under lower concentrations of Mo applied. In turn, Mo concentrations beyond 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ significantly increased soluble proteins, total phenolic compounds, and free proline contents. The contents of Mo in root and shoot of wheat plants increased with increased Mo concentrations in the soil. Among the various concentrations of Mo studied, 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ was moderately toxic while 12.5 and 62.5 mg kg⁻¹ were highly toxic and induced stress responses to confer tolerance in wheat.

Keywords:

• Chlorophyll
• plant growth
• seed production
• sodium molybdate
• toxicity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

All the data generated during this study are included in this file.