Exploring the Potential of Rutin Dihydrate to Induce Tolerance Against Pentachloronitrobenzene Induced Phytotoxicity in Chinese Flowering Cabbage

Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is a common fungicide that triggers oxidative stress in plants, slowing growth and breaking down chlorophyll. This research examines the ameliorative potential of Rutin dihydrate, to rescue the growth of Brassica rapa var. parachinensis , commonly known as Chinese flowering cabbage, under PCNB stress. Plants were exposed to varying concentrations of PCNB (10 and 20 mg/kg soil) and treated with Rutin dihydrate (0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) through foliar application. PCNB when applied at 2 mg/kg, significantly decreased shoot and root length, as well as fresh and dry biomass, with effects ranging from 15.1‐ to 38.7% compared to the control plants. Rutin dihydrate application at both concentrations significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities, accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and carotenoid contents in Chinese flowering cabbage raised in the presence of PCNB. Subsequently, non‐targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on an HPLC‐ESI‐QQQ‐MS system. Results showed noteworthy reprogramming of primary and secondary metabolism. Rutin‐primed plants showed an up‐regulation of different metabolites, including phenolic compounds, compared to the control plants. These findings highlight the potential of Rutin dihydrate as an eco‐friendly biostimulant to counteract pesticide‐induced stress, offering a sustainable approach to improving plant resilience and agricultural productivity.