NaHS immersion alleviates the stress effect of chromium(III) on alfalfa seeds by affecting active oxygen metabolism.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (HS) on seed germination, seedling growth, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in alfalfa under chromium (Cr) ion (III) stress.

Methods: The effects of 0-4 mM Cr(III) on the germination and seedling growth of alfalfa were first assessed. Subsequently, following seed NaHS immersion, the influence of HS on alfalfa seed germination and seedling growth under 2 mM Cr(III) stress was investigated, and the substance contents and enzyme activities associated with ROS metabolism were quantified.

Results: Compared to the control group, alfalfa plant germination was delayed under 2 mM Cr(III) stress for up to 48 h ( < 0.05). At 120 h, the total seedling length was approximately halved, and the root length was roughly one-third of the control. Treatment with 0.02-0.1 mM NaHS alleviated the delay in germination and root growth inhibition caused by 2 mM Cr(III) stress, resulting in an increased ratio of root length to hypocotyl length from 0.57 to 1 above. Additionally, immersion in 0.05 mM NaHS reduced hydrogen peroxide (HO) and oxygen-free radicals (O) levels ( < 0.05), boosted glutathione (GSH) levels ( < 0.05), and notably enhanced catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities ( < 0.05) compared to the 2 mM Cr(III) stress treatment group.

Conclusion: Seed immersion in NaHS mitigated the delay in germination and inhibition of root elongation under 2 mM Cr(III) stress. This effect is likely attributed to the regulation of intracellular ROS homeostasis and redox balance through enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems; thus, providing a potential mechanism for combating oxidative stress.