The effects of molecular hydrogen on plant physiology and metabolism: An overview

Hancock, John

Abstract

Gaseous hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a molecule that has a significant influence on the growth and development of plants, particularly if they are under stress. Often research has shown the ameliorating effects of H2 during drought, in the presence of heavy metals or salt, or during UV light irradiation. Postharvest, H2 has been shown to increase the quality of fruits and vegetables during storage, and slows the senescence of flowers. In molecular terms, H2 has been shown to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and remove peroxynitrite, but not react with other reactive signalling molecules such as nitric oxide. However, not all the molecular actions of H2 have yet been unravelled. This is not a totally comprehensive review of the topic, but hopefully gives an overview of the influence of H2 on some of the molecular events in cells and how this can influence plant physiology. There is no doubt that H2 has significant effects in plants, and there is potential scope for its wide adoption throughout the agricultural sector.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Nov 26, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 27, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology and Metabolism
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: antioxidants; flowers; fruits; hydrogen gas; hydrogen-rich water; molecular hydrogen; molecular mechanisms; postharvest
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13466164
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciltp.com/journals/jppm
• Additional Information: I am EiC for this journal and hence pay no APCs. This is a new journal from Scilight, and as such will not be listed yet.