TY  - EJOU
AU  - Yotsova, Ekaterina 
AU  - Stefanov, Martin 
AU  - Rashkov, Georgi 
AU  - Kouzmanova, Margarita 
AU  - Dobrikova, Anelia 
AU  - Apostolova, Emilia 

TI  - Microalgae Improve the Photosynthetic Performance of Rice Seedlings (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) under Physiological Conditions and Cadmium Stress
T2  - Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany

PY  - 2022
VL  - 91
IS  - 7
SN  - 1851-5657

AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the microalgae <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> on the rice seedlings at physiological conditions and under cadmium (Cd) stress. We examined the effects of <i>C. vulgaris</i> in the nutrient solution on rice seedlings grown hydroponically in the presence and the absence of 150 μM CdCl<sub>2</sub>, using the low (77 K) temperature and pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 photooxidation measurements, photochemical activities of both photosystems, kinetic parameters of oxygen evolution, oxidative stress markers (MDA, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and proline), pigment content, growth parameters and Cd accumulation. Data revealed that the application <i>C. vulgaris</i> not only stimulates growth and improves the functions of photosynthetic apparatus under physiological conditions, but also reduces the toxic effect of Cd on rice seedlings. Furthermore, the presence of the green microalgae in the nutrient solution of the rice seedlings during Cd exposure, significantly improved the growth, photochemical activities of both photosystems, the kinetic parameters of the oxygen-evolving reactions, pigment content and decreased lipid peroxidation, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and proline content. Data showed that the alleviation of Cd-induced effects in rice seedlings is a result of the Cd sorption by microalgae, as well as the reduced Cd accumulation in the roots and its translocation from the roots to the shoots.
KW  - <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>; growth parameters; low temperature chlorophyll fluorescence; PAM chlorophyll fluorescence; photosynthesis; rice; stress markers

DO  - 10.32604/phyton.2022.020566