BackgroundSoybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), a vital source of edible oil and protein, ranks seventh in global agricultural production, yet its productivity is significantly hindered by potential toxic metal/liods (PTM) stress. Arsenic (As), a highly toxic soil contaminant, poses substantial risks to both plants and humans, even at trace concentrations, particularly in China.ResultsThis research endeavor delves into the combined effect of arsenate (AsV), a common form of As in soil, and nano-selenium (nSe), on the transcriptional regulation of key genes and the modulation of signaling and metabolic cascades in young soybean seedlings. Our findings indicate that nSe mitigates AsV toxicity by modulating hormonal signaling cascades, particularly the phenylalanine and salicylic acid pathways, thereby augmenting antioxidant defenses and mitigating the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on soybean roots.ConclusionThis study offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying metalloid tolerance in soybean, opening avenues for the development of strategies to bolster As resistance in contaminated soils. Nevertheless, further investigation is imperative to elucidate the intricate interplay of hormonal signaling in soybean roots during nSe supplementation under As stress conditions.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid pollutant that is extensively distributed in the biosphere. As is among the most prevalent and toxic elements in the environment; it induces adverse effects even at low concentrations. Due to its toxic nature and bioavailability, the presence of As in soil and water has prompted numerous agricultural, environmental, and health concerns. As accumulation is detrimental to plant growth, development, and productivity. Toxicity of As to plants is a function of As speciation, plant species, and soil properties. As inhibits root proliferation and reduces leaf number. It is associated with defoliation, reduced biomass, nutrient uptake, and photosynthesis, chlorophyll degradation, generation of reactive oxygen species, membrane damage, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation and genotoxicity. Plants respond to As stress by upregulating genes involved in detoxification. Different species have adopted avoidance and tolerance responses for As detoxification. Plants also activate phytohormonal signaling to mitigate the stressful impacts of As. This review addresses As speciation, uptake, and accumulation by plants. It describes plant morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes and how phytohormones respond to As stress. The review closes with a discussion of omic approaches for alleviating As toxicity in plants.

Several studies have explored how arsenic (As) is absorbed and transported in plants, but less attention has been paid to its impact on rice growth and yield in relation to water management. We aimed to assess how arsenic affects plant development under different irrigation methods. The growth and yield parameters of four rice varieties ('M 488', 'Janka', 'Szell & odblac;', and 'Nembo') in two greenhouse experiments were analyzed in 2021 and 2022 under different irrigation methods (flooded (F), intermittent (I), and aerobic (A)). Three different As concentrations were set up in the soil: 43 mg kg-1, 24 mg kg-1, and 4 mg kg-1. Our results showed that the high As treatment caused severe damage to the plants including leaf yellowing as well as reduced growth and decreased yield parameters. Alternative water management practices such as I and A irrigation could reduce the negative effects of As. At the high level of As stress (43 mg kg-1), the I irrigation had the most favorable effect on the yield of 'Janka' among the tested cultivars compared to the F irrigation (in F: 1.64 +/- 1.13 g; in I: 5.45 +/- 3.69 g). However, the use of fully aerobic conditions increased the likelihood of drought stress.