Biochar-Induced Modulation of Oxidative Damage and Metabolite Accumulation in Origanum vulgare under Cadmium Stress

Soil contamination by heavy metals, particularly cadmium, poses a significant threat to soil health, crop productivity, and ecosystem stability, necessitating effective remediation strategies. This study evaluated the effects of varying biochar concentrations (۰%, ۱%, and ۲% w/w) combined with five cadmium contamination levels (۰, ۲۵, ۵۰, and ۱۰۰ mg Cd kg¯¹ soil) on physiological parameters, secondary metabolite production, oxidative stress indicators, and shoot dry weight of Origanum vulgare subsp. gracile under controlled greenhouse conditions in ۲۰۲۴. Results demonstrated that increasing cadmium concentrations, particularly shoot dry weight, and essential oil dy at ۱۰۰ mg kg, significantly reduced chlorophyll a and b content, while elevating oxidative stress markers. Conversely, biochar application, especially at ۲%, markedly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide levels and significantly enhanced proline, soluble carbohydrates, chlorophyll a and b, essential oil content, and shoot dry weight. The greatest improvements in growth and stress tolerance indicators were observed in plants treated with ۲% biochar, highlighting its role in mitigating cadmium-induced phytotoxicity. These findings suggest that biochar amendment represents a promising strategy to alleviate cadmium toxicity in medicinal plants by modulating oxidative stress and metabolic responses, thereby improving plant resilience and productivity in contaminated soils.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biochar ، Essential Oil ، Food Security ، Heavy metals ، Oxidative stress