Protective Role of Selenium on Garlic Growth under Cadmium Stress

The stimulative action and detoxifying effect of selenium on garlic growth under cadmium stress were investigated. Selenite treatment can promote mitosis of garlic root-tip cells and growth of roots and seedlings. Garlic has a strong ability to accumulate the selenium from soil, and selenium content was greatest in garlic seedlings. Addition of selenite at a concentration of 2.0 μg kg−1 in soil could decrease cadmium content in garlic and protect the seedling growth. The selenium has been shown to have an effective protective role on garlic growth under cadmium stress.