Vaccinating radish with CeO2 nanoparticles: a nano-priming strategy to activate systemic defense against atmospheric cadmium

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CeO2 nanoparticles in activating systemic defense mechanisms in radish against cadmium exposure.
• Radish plants were treated with CeO2 nanoparticles to assess phytotoxicity.
• Cadmium uptake was measured and compared in treated vs. untreated plants.
• Early activation of reactive oxygen species and signaling pathways was analyzed post-treatment.
• CeO2 nanoparticles reduced cadmium uptake by 26.2–60.5% in treated plants.
• Phytotoxic effects of atmospheric cadmium were significantly alleviated post-priming.
• Activation of signaling pathways correlated with increased reactive oxygen species levels.