An unexpected discovery toward argon-rich water amelioration of cadmium toxicity in Medicago sativa L.

Argon has organ-protective effects on animals. However, whether or how argon influences plant responses remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that the growth inhibition of hydroponically cultured alfalfa seedlings under 100 μM CdCl condition was significantly ameliorated by 100 % saturated argon-rich water (ARW).

Magnesium hydride confers copper tolerance in alfalfa via regulating nitric oxide signaling.

Magnesium hydride (MgH) as a solid-state hydrogen source might be potentially applied in industry and medicine. However, its biological function in plants has not yet been fully discovered. In this report, it was observed that MgH administration could relieve copper (Cu) toxicity in alfalfa that was confirmed by a reduction in root growth inhibition.