Assessment of wheat yield under cadmium and arsenic stress with soil-applied Glycine Betaine

Cadmium and Arsenic are toxic metals that threaten food security and human health. GB (Glycine Betaine) is known for its protective effect against heavy metal toxicity in crops. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. This study examined the ability of exogenous soil-applied GB (5 mM) to enhance cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) stress tolerance in wheat genotypes HD2967 and HD3086 under Cd (1100 ppm) and As (225 ppm) exposure. Results showed that Cd and As stress severely reduced key yield traits, while GB application significantly improved grain yield and yield indices. GB effectively minimized Cd and As translocation within plants, reducing associated health risks. These findings highlight GB’s potential as a soil amendment to enhance crop resilience, improve food safety, and promote sustainable agricultural production.