Cadmium (Cd) is the most toxic element present in the soil, air and water that causes deleterious effects on the physico-chemical and antioxidant processes of maize plant. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, animals and plants as it reduces the harmful effects of cadmium toxicity. The interactive effects of Se and Cd interactions on plant growth and metabolism are not fully clear. In the present study, we assessed whether Se could alleviate the toxic effects of Cd on growth and metabolism of maize. To measure the role of foliar application of selenium (Se) in mitigation of cadmium toxicity during vegetative growth in maize a pot experiment was conducted at research area of Regional Agriculture Research Institute, Bahawalpur by using complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications of maize. Cd was applied at the rate of 750 mg/kg sand and 1500 mg/kg sand after the completion of germination. However, foliar application of Se was applied at the rate of 0.2 mM,

cadmium toxicity, foliar application, maize, selenium,

We observed that Cd cause toxicity in Zea mayes L. and reduces the morphological, biochemical and antioxidant parameters when present in high concentrations, which ultimately turn down growth of the plant. While positive effects of Se foliar spray on the plant was found to be associated with Se-mediated regulation of physico-chemical and antioxidant processes. At treatment number T9 with high amount of Se and less Cd availability we found Se acting in antagonism toward Cd toxicity which normalizes the plant growth and metabolism. Moreover, foliar application of Selenium also increased the Se content in shoot, which may be exploited as a viable and effective approach to increase Se concentration in fodders.

Shafiq, S., Adeel, M., Raza, H., Iqbal, R., Ahmad, Z., Naeem, M., Sheraz, M., Ahmed, U. and Azmi, U.R. (2019). Effects of Foliar Application of Selenium in Maize (Zea Mays L.) under Cadmium Toxicity. Biological Forum -An International Journal, 11(2): 61-