Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Cadmium Stress by Enhancing Photosynthetic Efficiency and Regulating Sugar Metabolism in Wheat Seedlings

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays prominent multifunctional roles in the mediation of various physiological processes and stress responses to plants. In this study, hydroponic experiments were carried out to explore the effects of NaHS pretreatment on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under 50 μM cadmium (Cd). Compared with Cd treatment alone, 50 μM NaHS pretreatment increased the plant height, soluble sugar content of shoots and roots, and dry weight of shoots and roots under Cd stress, while the Cd concentration of shoots and roots was significantly reduced by 18.1% and 25.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, NaHS pretreatment protected the photosynthetic apparatus by increasing the net photosynthetic rate and PSII electron transportation rate of wheat leaves under Cd stress. NaHS pretreatment significantly increased the soluble sugar content to maintain the osmotic pressure balance of the leaf cells. The gene expression results associated with photosynthetic carbon assimilation and sucrose synthesis in wheat leaves suggested that the NaHS pretreatment significantly up-regulated the expression of TaRBCL, TaRBCS, and TaPRK, while it down-regulated the expression of TaFBA, TaSuSy, TaSAInv, and TaA/NInv. In summary, NaHS pretreatment improved the resistance of wheat seedlings under Cd stress by increasing the rate of photosynthesis and regulating the expression of genes related to sugar metabolism.

Synergistic interplay between melatonin and hydrogen sulfide enhances cadmium-induced oxidative stress resistance in stock ( Matthiola incana L.)

“…The results are similar to the findings of Altaf et al 43 and Kaya et al, 18 where the authors observed an increase in biomass in response to the individual applications of MLT or H 2 S. Similarly, the application of MLT and H 2 S is reported to enhance the growth of plants grown under Cd stress condition. 44 , 45 The improvement in the plant biomass in response to the application of H 2 S and MLT is strongly linked with the antioxidative ability of MLT and the unique properties of H 2 S.…”