Protective mechanisms of melatonin against selenium toxicity in Brassica napus: insights into physiological traits, thiol biosynthesis and antioxidant machinery.

Exogenous MT improves the physiological traits, antioxidant system, and thiol ligand biosynthesis in B. napus subjected to Se stress primarily by enhancing Se detoxification and sequestration especially at the root level. Our results reveal better understanding of Se-phytotoxicity and Se-stress alleviation by the adequate supply of MT. The mechanisms of MT-induced plant tolerance to Se stress have potential implications in developing novel strategies for safe crop production in Se-rich soils.