Selenium in plants: Boon or bane?

Selenium (Se) is yet to be confirmed as essential for plants, but it has proven to be an essential trace element for humans and other animals. However, it is well documented that Se is a beneficial element for plants. Recent studies show that Se treatment at a low concentration exerts positive effects on plant growth, development, and yield. Thus, Se may act as a vital element by altering several physiological and biochemical processes. Remarkably, Se also acts as a plant antioxidant and pro-oxidant, and confers tolerance against different abiotic stresses, including salinity, drought, extreme temperature, and toxic metals/metalloids stresses. Its protective mechanism involves the enhancement of photosynthetic pigment synthesis, photosynthetic rate, gas exchange, accumulation of osmoprotectants, and secondary metabolites. Another…