Jasmonates enhance plants tolerance grown in Cd‐contaminated environments: A comprehensive overview

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal and one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. In this context, certain phytoremediator species can mitigate their impact by reducing the availability of Cd in the soil. However, as the exposure to heavy metals significantly affects the plant growth and metabolism of these species, the development of strategies to enhance their tolerance while maintaining their remediation potential is essential. The exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be an effective strategy in this context. However, the biological effects of jasmonates on plant metabolism under Cd stress are not fully understood. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of phytoremediation and heavy metals tolerance, focusing on the effects of jasmonate application on plants grown in Cd‐contaminated environments. It examines the role of jasmonates in Cd tolerance and phytoremediation from a biochemical perspective, considering Cd uptake, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the activity of antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)—as well as glutathione (GSH) content. An exhaustive analysis of all relevant articles published between 2012 and 2024 allowed for classifying the most commonly used methodologies and identifying key physiological responses triggered by jasmonates. The findings confirm that, for most analysed species, the protective effect of jasmonates enhances plant growth and reduces Cd uptake, while improving stress tolerance primarily through the activation of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate reductase, as well as non‐enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione. Although jasmonates promote stress tolerance, as evidenced by improved plant growth, increased antioxidant activity, and a decrease in stress markers, their application should be avoided as a strategy for phytoremediation, since they reduce Cd accumulation in plant tissues.