Research in Plant Metabolites

Research in Plant Metabolites

Modulatory Effect of Ulva fasciata L.Green Algal Extract on Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Triticum aestivumunder Lead Heavy Metal Stress

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Khozestan, Iran
2 Seed and Plant Improvement Research Department, Kuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, AREEO, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22034/jrpsm.2026.556476.1096
Abstract
Soil contamination with heavy metals, particularly lead, represents a significant environmental challenge that reduces plant growth and performance by inducing oxidative stress and disrupting physiological processes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% v/v) of the green seaweed Ulva fasciataL. extract as a natural biostimulant on selected physiological and biochemical traits of Triticum aestivum under lead stress (0, 15, 45, and 75 ppm). The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS software, and mean comparisons were performed using Duncan’s multiple range test at a significance level of P < 0.01. Treatment with lead nitrate resulted in decreased leaf area, photosynthetic pigment content, and total protein, along with increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and soluble carbohydrates, indicating the occurrence of oxidative stress. In contrast, application of the seaweed extract, particularly at 10% concentration, mitigated the adverse effects of lead and enhanced photosynthetic pigments, total protein, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in the seaweed extract play a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to heavy metal stress through stimulation of the antioxidant system and improvement of photosynthetic processes. Accordingly, U. fasciata extract can be utilized as an environmentally friendly biostimulant to improve growth and resistance of crop plants in heavy metal-contaminated soils.
Keywords

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