The effect of selenium and iodine on selected biochemical and morphological characteristics in kohlrabi sprouts (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.)

Abstract

Selenium (Se) and iodine (I) are essential elements for humans and animals, while their essential role for plants has not been established yet. There is also very little information about the interaction between selenium and iodine in plants. The aim of our research was to determine the effect of different forms of Se, I and their combinations on selected biochemical and morphological characteristics of the kohlrabi sprouts (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes L.). Sprouts were grown from seeds, which were soaked in different solutions of selenite, selenate, iodide, iodate and their combinations. We measured the content of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and UV-A and UV-B absorbing substances. We also measured potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PS II). At the end of the experiment the weight and height of the sprouts were measured. In order to compare the results the entire experiment was carried out twice. Different chemical forms of Se and I, and combinations did not significantly affect the number of sprouts that germinated from seeds. The various chemical forms of Se and I, and combinations differently affected on the amount of pigments in the kohlrabi sprouts. Potential photochemical efficiency of PS II was close to theoretical maximum 0.83.