Role of Selenium in Regulation of Plant Antioxidants, Chlorophyll Retention and Osmotic Adjustment under Drought Conditions: A Review

Environmental change is ascending as one of the most unpredictable issue, the effects of which are observable as rise in the onset of regular abiotic stresses like no or irregular precipitation, ascend in worldwide normal temperature, floods and so on. Among all the abiotic stresses, drought stress has become a sector of interest for decades. Drought stress can be chronic in locations with low water accessibility or irregular precipitation during the time of plant development consequently decreasing its growth and yield through its impact on plant photosynthetic rate, increased load of reactive oxygen species, changes in plant water relations and so on. A great deal of examination has been done to study the varieties of changes in the plants at the morphological, physiological and cellular level to identify the methodologies for enhancing plant drought resistance. In this regard "selenium" (Se) is considered exceptionally significant for improving plant growth and development. Spraying drought stressed plants or pre-treating the seeds with low dosage of Se have been shown to be associated with upgraded plant drought resistance. The present study is aimed to frame a review on the regulation of plant defense system, chlorophyll retention and plant water relations so as to provide comprehensive understanding into the changes caused by the application of Se which inturn are liable for improved plant drought tolerance.