This study aimed to evaluate the silicon (Si) capacity to attenuate the cadmium (Cd) effects on seed germination and seedling performance of lettuce. The seeds were subjected to three priming levels: without priming, hydropriming, and Si priming. Afterwards, the seeds were placed to germinate on paper moistened with the absence (0 mM) and presence (1 mM) of Cd. Seeds exposed to Cd showed the same percentage of germination verified in seeds unexposed to this metal (99%). Si priming increases 16% the germination speed of seeds not exposed to Cd and promoted greater expression of esterase during seed germination. However, Cd promoted the decrease of the intensity of esterase and acid phosphatase expression, regardless of the seed priming technique used. Although it does not influence the germination percentage of lettuce seeds, Cd markedly reduced the dry weight of seedlings. This harmful effect caused by the Cd was 33% minimized with Si priming. In addition to the lower weight, Cd induced a significant reduction in antioxidant activity in seedlings. However, Si seed priming caused a greater antioxidant activity-with emphasis on catalase-and, consequently, less lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, Si seed priming contributes to minimize the Cd effects in lettuce seedlings.
Keywords: Acid phosphatase; Antioxidant activity; Heavy metal; Lipid peroxidation; Priming agent; Veneranda.