Sufficient sulfur supply promotes seedling growth, alleviates oxidation stress, and regulates iron uptake and translocation in rice

Abstract

We investigated the effect of sulfur (S) supply on growth, oxidative stress, and iron uptake and transport in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings using a hydroponic culture with four S concentrations (0, 1.75, 3.5, and 7.0 mM). The length and fresh mass of seedlings were enhanced with the increased S concentration. In addition, the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in rice leaves was the highest when no S was added to the nutrition solution and gradually declined with the increasing S supply. The higher S nutrition reduced the amount of Fe plaque on rice roots and increased Fe content in roots and leaves. The content of nicotianamine was significantly higher in rice roots under the S deficiency, whereas the reverse trend was observed in rice shoots. Taken together, the sufficient S nutrition promoted growth of rice, reduced oxidative stress, and ensured normal Fe uptake and distribution.