This controlled experiment exposed one-week-old fragrant rice seedlings to 800 µM boron, with or without 100 µM salicylic acid and melatonin, for three weeks. Excess boron reduced photosynthetic pigments, growth and chloroplast integrity, raised oxidative stress markers and lowered precursors of the rice aroma compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. Both treatments, especially combined, eased these effects.
Key numbers
- This paper reports no numerical findings relevant to boron exposure. The boron stress treatment was 800 µM for three weeks (Abstract; Methods).
Methods (brief)
Completely randomized design with three replications and five treatments (control, boron 800 µM, and boron with salicylic acid, melatonin or both at 100 µM). Pigments, growth, ultrastructure, oxidative markers, antioxidant and glyoxalase enzymes and aroma precursors were measured.
Evidence fitness
Supports plant physiology findings on boron toxicity in rice seedlings. It does not support dietary exposure or human toxicity claims and reports no grain boron.
Limitations
Seedling-stage controlled study; tissue boron not reported. Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China and others; no conflicts declared.
Related evidence
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