Khalil Mahfouz Saad-Allah
Tanta University
Egypt
Title: Protective role of the seaweed Halimeda opuntia extract on cadmium-stressed Eruca sativa
Biography
Biography: Khalil Mahfouz Saad-Allah
Abstract
This study was performed in order to explore the possible role of Halimeda opuntia aqueous extract in amelioration the deleterious effects of cadmium stress on Eruca sativa (rocket) during seedling stage. Seeds of E. sativa were primed with 10% aqueous extract of the chlorophyte H. opuntia or in distilled water for 3 h and sown in clay sandy soil (2:1 w/w). Plants were irrigated with tap water for 14 days then received 20 mM CdCl2 or tap water to the age of 40 days. The results showed that cadmium stress resulted in a significant reduction in water content, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and soluble proteins. However, presoaking in H. opuntia extract exerted positive impact on the previous parameters in case of cadmium-unstressed treatment. Additionally, the interactive combination of cadmium stress and algal extract showed a significant amendment of cadmium stress on water content, photosynthetic pigments, sugars and protein contents. However, cadmium stress caused a significant increment in stress indices represented in proline, phenolic compounds and MDA, while priming in H. opuntia extract relatively declined these indices. Priming in the algal extract prior sowing protected E. sativa seedlings against cadmium-induced toxicity. SDS-PAGE of proteins in leaves showed alternation in protein profile in treated plants represented in appearance and disappearance of specific bands.