Selenium Improves Physiology, Biochemistry, and Quality Characteristic of Flowers in Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum L.)

Selenium (Se) is an essential microelement for humans and a beneficial element for plants. Recently, biofortification with Se has emerged as a key practice to increase plant quality. The aim of present study was to investigate the postharvest responses of Pelargonium peltatum L. to the application of Se in soil. The Se was used as sodium selenite (Na2SeO4) in soil application of 20, 40, and 60 µM L-1 distilled water. The results showed that flower weight, relative water content (RWC), anthocyanin, and vitamin C decreased over the storage time. Malondialdehyde (MAD) increased by progressing the time of storage. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly enhanced at early days of storage and then decreased up to the end of storage on days 4 and 6. Se significantly improved flower weight, RWC, anthocyanin, vitamin C, TPC, and TFC entire the storage. Although, Se was effective in enhancing the quality of P. peltatum L., there was no significant difference between 40 and 60 µM Se in all traits. Therefore, this experiment suggests using 40 µM Se to alleviate adverse effects induced by postharvest time growth on productivity of P. peltatum L.