Effects of selenium on plant growth, yield and quality of flower stalk in Chinese flowering cabbage

Hydroponics experiment was conducted to investigate effects of different concentrations (0, 0.25 , 0.5, 1.0 mg/L) of Selenium Se on plant growth, yield and quality of flower stalk in Chinese flowering cabbage Brassica campestris L.ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee . The results showed that appropriate concentration of Se could promote the enlargement of flower stalk and increase the yield, but Se didnt have noticeable effects on the number and length of flower stalk. Se had different effects on quality of leaf and stem of flower stalk. Se could significantly increase the content of vitamin C and free amino acid of leaf and stem, renieratene of leaf, and decrease the content of soluble protein of stem, soluble sugar and nitrate of leaf, however, the contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein of leaf, soluble sugar and nitrate and crude fiber of stem were almost not affected by Se. Se obviously increased the absorption of S and Se of plant.