The influence of selenium-containing preparations on the growth of Asteraceae family: Аnnual aster (Callistephus chinensis), Tagetes patula (Tagetes patula), and Hybrid dahlias (Dahlia × hortensis) plants under conditions of water deficit

Relevance. The potential to enhance the stress resistance of plants in a changing climate underpins the improvement of modern agricultural technologies. Understanding the role of micro- and macroelements in the growth and development processes of plants allows for the regulation of their resilience to various stresses, among which water deficit is one of the most significant. Long-term global research has identified the stress-protective function of selenium, confirming the importance of this element in enhancing the life functions of organisms and its high effectiveness in plant survival under stress conditions. However, information regarding the effects of selenium on different plant species, the forms of selenium-containing preparations and fertilizers, and their concentrations varies. Consequently, research aimed at identifying the influence of selenium-containing preparations on the growth of plants in the Asteraceae family (Asteraceae) under conditions of water deficit is highly relevant.

Methods. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of a selenium-containing preparation on the growth of common species in the Asteraceae family: Аnnual aster (Callistephus chinensis), Tagetes patula (Tagetes patula), and Hybrid dahlias (Dahlia × hortensis) under water deficit conditions in a controlled environment. Biometric parameters were evaluated for the studied plants: stem height (cm), number of leaves (pieces), and leaf area (cm²), which affect their ornamental quality. Measurements were taken on the 7^th day after stress exposure.

Results. Specific reactions of the studied species of Asteraceae family plants to the effect of a selenium- containing preparation under conditions of water stress were revealed. It was found that the use of the studied preparation during the drought period promotes the growth of shoots in Аnnual aster, Tagetes patula, and Hybrid dahlias plants, the preservation of existing leaves and the growth of new leaves in Аnnual aster and Hybrid dahlias plants, and the increase in leaf area in Аnnual aster plants, which generally affected the greater vitality of the plants, their faster recovery after drought, and the preservation of their decorative properties. It was noted that Tagetes patula showed the highest resistance to water stress among the studied species of the Asteraceae family.

Conclusion. The use of the selenium-containing drug had a positive effect on plant growth in the studied species of the Asteraceae family (Asteraceae): Аnnual aster (Callistephus chinensis), Tagetes patula (Tagetes patula), and Hybrid dahlias (Dahlia × hortensis) in conditions of water scarcity, contributing to the preservation of vitality and decorative properties.

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