Application of Fulvic Acid Modulates Photosynthetic Pigments and Malondialdehyde Content in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Ekiz) to Increase Resistance to Chromium Stress

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fulvic acid (FA) on photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids and malondialdehyde content in bread wheat (cv. Ekiz) under chromium (Cr) stress. Wheat seedlings were divided into two groups except control including 0.10, 0.20, 0.30 and 0.50 mM Cr solution applied and second group included Cr solution and 1.5 mg/L FA at the same concentration. The FA was sprayed to wheat plants. The highest Cr-accumulation was found in the roots compared to other parts of the plant. Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased and this reduction was higher in only Cr treated plants than with FA+Cr. In contrast, the chlorophyll a/b ratio and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased depending on the Cr stress. With FA+Cr application, the increase in only Cr-treated plants was higher. The FA application showed positive effects on chlorophyll pigments and carotenoids in preventing Cr stress in wheat seedlings and to reduce the detrimental effects of Cr. © 2020 Friends Science Publishers.