Isolation and characterization of lead (Pb) resistant microbes and their combined use with silicon nanoparticles improved the growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) under Pb stress.

Rapid global industrialization has increased the chances of toxic trace element accumulation in plants and other living things via the food chain. Thus, there is an urgent need to find suitable techniques with the aim to alleviate the stress of toxic trace elements in crops to feed the ever-increasing population with quality food. This research was based on the hypothesis that the growth traits of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) plants can be improved by the combined application of lead (Pb) resistant microbes and silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) under Pb stress. Two Pb-resistant strains of the microbes were isolated under different Pb concentrations, and then these strains were characterized for different traits. The strains were inoculated in the Pb-spiked (500 mg/kg) soil, and Si-NPs (1.5 mM) were foliar sprayed at different time (three times, two-week interval). The growth and stress tolerance of the plant were assessed by measuring the morphological traits, chlorophyll contents, proline, electrolyte leakage, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of the leaves. Results demonstrated that Pb stress had significant negative impacts on all the traits of the coriander. Si-NPs application or bacterial inoculation reversed the Pb-induced toxicities in plants, which was indicated by the improved growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the plants under Pb stress. The effect of the combined use of Si-NPs and microbes was more pronounced than the treatments alone. It can be concluded that Pb-resistant microorganism and Si-NPs could effectively be used to alleviate Pb stress in coriander.