Foliar application of seed water extract of Nigella sativa improved maize growth in cadmium-contaminated soil

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal, which commonly exert negative impacts on agricultural soils and living organisms. Foliar application of seed water extract of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) can mitigate the adverse impacts of Cd-toxicity in plants through its rich antioxidants. This study examined the role of seed water extracts of N. sativa (NSE) in mitigating the adverse impacts of Cd-toxicity on maize growth. Two maize genotypes (synthetic ‘Neelum’ and hybrid ‘P1543’) were grown under 0, 4, 8 and 12 mg Cd kg-1 soil. The NSE was applied at three different concentrations (i.e., 0, 10 and 20%) as foliar spray at 25 and 45 days after sowing. All Cd concentrations had no effect on germination percentage of both genotypes. Increasing Cd concentration linearly decreased root and allometric attributes, gas exchange traits and relative water contents of hybrid genotype. However, gas exchange traits of synthetic genotype remained unaffected by Cd-toxicity. Overall, hybrid genotype showed better tolerance to Cd-toxicity than synthetic genotype with better germination and allometric attributes and less Cd accumulation. Foliar application of NSE lowered negative effects of Cd-toxicity on all studied traits, except relative water contents. In conclusion, foliar application of NSE seemed a viable option to improve maize growth in Cd-contaminated soil.

Nutritional status, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different fruits and vegetables’ peels

“…Kalpna and Mital [ 8 ] reported that polyphenols are natural antioxidants that act as scavengers and inhibitors of free radicals responsible for oxidative damages to both the fruits and vegetables (their primary purpose) and human body (via intake of fruit and vegetables). The plant defense mechanism is stimulated due to antioxidant expression of polyphenols [ 9 – 11 ]. Presence of other essential compounds such as calcium and certain beneficial nutrients like vitamins in fruit and vegetables has further been suggested to prevent osteoporosis in adults to stimulate better health and strong bones [ 12 ].…”

Retraction: Foliar application of seed water extract of Nigella sativa improved maize growth in cadmium-contaminated soil

“…The PLOS ONE Editors retract this article [ 1 ] because it was identified as one of a series of submissions for which we have concerns about authorship, competing interests, and peer review. We regret that the issues were not addressed prior to the article’s publication.…”