Plant Growth Regulators with a Balanced Supply of Nutrients Enhance the Phytoextraction Efficiency of Parthenium hysterophorus for Cadmium in Contaminated Soil

[Image: see text] Heavy metal contamination in soil, such as cadmium (Cd), poses a serious threat to global food security and human health. It must be managed using environmentally friendly and cost-effective technologies. Plants with high resistance to Cd stress and high biomass production could be potential candidates for the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils to improve Cd phytoextraction. In this regard, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of gibberellic acid (GA(3)), indole acetic acid (IAA), and fertilizers (N, P, and K) on Parthenium hysterophorus growth and biomass production as well as Cd phytoextraction capabilities. A pot experiment was conducted with various combinations of PGRs and fertilizers, with treatments arranged in five replicates using a completely randomized design. After harvesting, each plant was divided into various parts such as stems, roots, and leaves, and different growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Results showed that under Cd stress, growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters were all significantly decreased. With the combined application of plant growth regulators (GA(3) and IAA) and nutrients, Cd stress was alleviated and all parameters significantly improved. In comparison to the control treatment, the combined application of N + P + K + GA(3) + IAA resulted in the highest fresh and dry biomass production of the root (12.31 and 5.11 g pot(–1)), shoot (19. 69 and 6.99 g pot(–1)), leaves (16.56 and 7.09 g pot(–1)), and entire plant (48.56 and 19.19 g pot(–1)). Similarly, the same treatment resulted in higher chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll contents under Cd stress, which were 2.19, 2.03, and 3.21 times higher than the control, which was Cd stress without any treatment. The combination of N + P + K + GA(3) + IAA also resulted in the highest proline and phenolic contents. In the case of different enzyme activities, the combined application of N + P + K + GA(3) + IAA under Cd stress led to a high increase in catalase (2.5 times), superoxide (3.5 times), and peroxidase (3.7 times) compared to the control. With the combined application of N+ P+ K + GA(3) + IAA, the maximum values of BCF (8.25), BAC (2.6), and RF (5.14%) were measured for phytoextraction potential. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that P. hysterophorus has a high potential to grow, produce the most biomass, and act as a Cd hyperaccumulator in Cd-contaminated soil.