Selenium nanoparticle alleviates the inhibitory effect of cadmium on Brassica napus L. by repressing respiratory burst and scavenging reactive oxygen species

Brassica napus L. is one of the most important vegetable oils and protein-rich meal crops worldwide; hence, it is imperative to study the effects of Se on Cd stress in it. Here, an integrative approach using biochemical indicators and transcriptomic methods were used to determine the physiological and molecular responses of Brassica napus L. under Cd stress to the application of SeO32- or SeNPs. First, we explored the changes in the growth of Brassica napus L. using a foliar spray of SeNPs after exposure to Cd. Then, we investigated the effects of Se supplementation on oxidative stress in Brassica napus L. under Cd stress. Furthermore, we investigated the underlying mechanism by which SeO32- and SeNPs mitigate Cd stress in Brassica napus L. from the perspective of plant transcription. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that SeNPs can mitigate Cd toxicity in Brassica napus L.; thus, our study highlights the importance of SeNPs in agricultural applications.