Roles of hydrogen gas in plants: a review

Abstract

Hydrogen gas (H2) was first identified as a unique molecular messenger in animals. Since H2 was reported as a novel antioxidant, it has been proven effective in treating many diseases. However, the studies concerning H2 in plants are just beginning to emerge. Here, two paths of H2 production in plants have been reported, namely, hydrogenase and nitrogenase. H2 has positive effects on seed germination, seedling growth, adventitious rooting, root elongation, harvest freshness, stomatal closure and anthocyanin synthesis. H2 also can enhance plant symbiotic stress resistance commonly through the enhancement of antioxidant defence system. Moreover, H2 shows cross talk with nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and other signalling molecules (for example, abscisic acid, ethylene and jasmonate acid). H2 can regulate the expression of responsive genes under abiotic stress and during adventitious roots formation and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Future work will need to focus on the molecular mechanism of H2 and its crosstalk with other signalling molecules in plants. With its promising application in agriculture, hydrogen agriculture will be welcomed in the near future.

Transcriptome analysis reveals insight into molecular hydrogen-induced cadmium tolerance in alfalfa: the prominent role of sulfur and (homo)glutathione metabolism

“…Molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) is suggested to be a bioregulator in plant defence against environmental stresses [6,43]. Previous work has documented the role of H 2 in plants coping with Cd.…”

Hydrogenases and the Role of Molecular Hydrogen in Plants

“…To illustrate, Kanno et al [ 63 ] inoculated seedlings of Oryza sativa and Arabidopsis thaliana with streptomyces and found that the bacteria were taken into the plant tissues and that their H 2 oxidizing activity continued. Likewise, treatment of soils with H 2 can alter the populations of microorganisms which may be found there [ 2 ], and this can also have an influence on plant growth.…”

“…H 2 is involved in a range of physiological responses in plants, which is one of the reasons why it has been proposed to be a useful tool for agriculture [ 20 ]. As only some highlights are discussed here, an in-depth review by Li et al [ 2 ], which focusses on the multiple roles of H 2 within plant systems is recommended.…”

“…There is an increasing weight of evidence showing molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has effects in biological systems, in both animal [ 1 ] and plant species [ 2 ]. When considering an ever-increasing global population, and the growing obligation we have to feed each individual, the requirement for inexpensive and sustainable treatments which enhance the quality and longevity of produce will be necessary to prevent shortages of essential farmed foods.…”

Nitrite accumulation during storage of tomato fruit as prevented by hydrogen gas

“…[31] Hydrogen gas (H 2 ), mainly catalyzed by hydrogenase and nitrogenase in plants, has recently been identified as a gasotransmitter. [32] A large number of studies have shown that exogenous application of H 2 (hydrogen-rich water; HRW) can influence multiple plant responses, including the alleviation of various abiotic stress and the promotion of root development. [33][34][35][36] In addition, the application of H 2 has been observed to prolong the storage life of fruits and flowers.…”