Role of nano selenium in alleviating the effects of salt stress in date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera L.). A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Study

Abstract

The current study used the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the corresponding changes caused by salt-induced biochemical changes at different NaCl concentrations (2.5 as control level, 5, 10, and 20 ds.m− 1). FTIR also determines the potential role of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) at two concentrations (80 and 160 ppm) in alleviating salinity stress on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) trees. Notably, the study found the appearance of a new peak at 2850 cm− 1 in the lipid region (2800–3000 cm− 1) when date palm trees were exposed to salinity and tested at all levels. This peak was not seen in the control treatment or when salinity was combined with foliar spraying of Se NPs at the two tested concentrations (80 and 160 ppm). Furthermore, a clear and distinct peak at 1735 cm− 1 was only seen in plants exposed to salinity at 10 or 20 ds.m− 1. This peak was attributed to membrane lipid compounds that contain carbonyl-ester groups. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the treatments from various studies affected the secondary structure of proteins (1500–1800 cm− 1) and carbohydrates (1200–1500 cm− 1), and this was evident by the appearance and disappearance of some characteristic peaks in these regions.