Physiological, Morphological, and Biochemical Responses of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Leaf Extract Application on Pb-Contaminated Soil

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential element; however, plants uptake it from soils rich in Pb. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] an important legume crop, and Pb toxicity exerts negative impacts on its growth yield. This study investigated the role of foliar-applied loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) leaf extract improving morphological, physiological, biochemical traits soybean under toxicity. were exposed to four concentrations (0, 200, 400, 800 µg/L) supplemented with 0% or 5% aqueous (EJLE). Data relating pigments, proline, total soluble sugars, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), non-enzymatic antioxidant, i.e., [ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione (GSH), phenolic contents (TPC), flavonoids content (TFC)] enzymatic [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate (APX), reductase (GR)] recorded. Total chlorophyll carotenoids significantly decreased by stress, while lycopene anthocyanin increased. Similarly, MDA, H2O2, AsA, GSH, TPC, TFC, SOD, CAT, POD, APX, GR increased stress. Foliar spray EJLE lowered MDA H2O2 accumulation chlorophylls, carotenoids, lycopene, anthocyanins, antioxidant system. The increase activities enzymes adverse effects stress soybean. application different plant parts compared those receiving no EJLE. It concluded that can improve tolerance enhancing traits. However, actual mechanisms behind these improvements warrant further investigation.