中微量元素和有益元素对水稻生长和吸收镉的影响

采用盆栽试验,研究了中微量元素和有益元素对水稻生长和吸收镉的影响。结果表明,在所有测试的元素和施用方法中,硅酸钠叶面喷施显著增加稻谷产量,而碳酸钙、硼酸、硅酸钠土施和亚硒酸钠显著降低了稻谷产量。镁、锌、铁的盐酸盐形态对水稻籽粒的增产效果优于硫酸盐形态,而钙、铜的硫酸盐形态增产效果略高于盐酸盐形态。在钙、镁、硫三种中量元素中,钙增加了水稻籽粒中的Cd浓度和吸收量,而镁和硫则降低了籽粒中的Cd浓度和吸收量,以硫磺粉处理为最低。稻草中的Cd浓度和总量均以氯化镁处理为最高,硫磺粉处理最低。镁能有效抑制Cd从秸秆向籽粒的转移,其盐酸盐优于硫酸盐。在微量元素中,锌对水稻Cd的吸收抑制作用最为显著,其次是铜,而有益元素肥料硅酸钠叶面喷施则显著增加了稻谷中的Cd浓度和吸收量。硫酸亚铁、氯化锰、氯化铜、硼酸和硼砂处理都能有效地抑制Cd从秸秆向籽粒的转移,而硅酸钠叶面喷施和锌处理则促进了Cd的转移,表明硅酸钠抑制水稻吸收Cd的机制很可能发生在土壤中,而非在植株体内或地上部分。在Cd污染土壤上选用适宜的中微量和有益元素肥料及其施用方法,能有效降低水稻对镉的吸收和稻米中的Cd含量。     

镉胁迫下春小麦中镉的分布、富集及转移规律

采用盆栽试验,研究了镉胁迫下重金属镉(Cd)在春小麦中的分布、富集及转移规律。结果表明:Cd胁迫下,小麦根、茎、叶和籽粒中Cd积累量随外源Cd的增加而增加,小麦不同部位Cd积累量为根叶茎籽粒;籽粒中Cd含量与土壤中Cd显著相关;小麦不同部位对Cd的富集能力差异显著,且随外源Cd处理浓度的增加,各部位富集系数逐渐降低,低Cd浓度时各部位更易富集Cd;小麦植株地上部的转移系数亦呈递减趋势为茎、叶籽粒;在春小麦全生育期,土壤中Cd含量无明显变化,根对外源Cd的富集吸收于生育期70d左右达峰值,小麦植株中的Cd也在80d左右达到峰值后逐步减少,表明植株中的Cd,随籽粒的成熟逐步转移至籽粒。     

OsIMA1增强水稻对镉逆境的适应性

铁(Fe)是植物生长发育所必需的营养元素而镉(Cd)是对植物有害的元素且对植物Fe和Cd的吸收存在拮抗作用。OsIMA是一类正调控水稻Fe吸收的一类小肽,其过表达可以促进Fe的积累。为探究OsIMA是否参与水稻对Cd胁迫的适应性,该研究以水稻为研究材料,利用荧光定量PCR分析了OsIMA基因的表达水平,通过遗传转化和CRISPR/Cas9基因编辑技术构建了OsIMA1过表达植物和ima1突变体植物,评估了OsIMA1过表达和突变体植物在Cd逆境条件下的株高,并利用电联耦合等离子体质谱法测量了根和地上部的Fe和Cd含量。结果表明:(1)Cd处理后,OsIMA1和OsIMA2的转录水平上调。(2)OsIMA1过表达植物比野生型植物对Cd胁迫更耐受。(3)ima1功能缺失突变体比野生型植物对Cd胁迫更敏感。(4)OsIMA1过表达植株根系的Cd含量较高,而ima1突变体植株地上部的Cd含量较高。综上所述,OsIMA1通过限制Cd从根向地上部的转运以增强水稻对Cd逆境的适应能力,该研究结果为定向培育耐Cd作物提供了理论参考。     

镁、锰、活性炭和石灰及其交互作用对小麦镉吸收的影响

采用盆栽试验,研究了在镉污染土壤上施用石灰、硫酸镁、硫酸锰和活性炭不同用量以及交互作用对小麦生长和吸收重金属镉的影响.研究结果表明,在试验条件下施用适量的硫酸镁、硫酸锰或与石灰配合能明显提高小麦籽粒产量,单施石灰或与活性炭配合施用降低了小麦籽粒产量;与对照(CK)相比,所有处理秸秆产量均下降.施用硫酸镁能显著降低小麦籽粒和秸秆中Cd浓度,且随用量的增加两增大.低量硫酸锰能有效降低小麦籽粒和秸秆中Cd浓度,高量反而增加小麦对Cd的吸收.石灰、活性炭单独施用或配合施用都能明显减少小麦对Cd的吸收,但籽/杆中Cd比却随石灰用量的增加呈明显的上升趋势.叶面喷施硫酸镁对降低小麦吸收镉的效果与土施相当,但叶面喷施硫酸锰却比土施硫酸锰显著降低了小麦籽粒中的镉浓度与吸收量.硫酸镁与硫酸锰,或石灰、硫酸镁和硫酸锰3种物质配合施用,对小麦籽粒镉浓度和吸收量的降低表现出明显的正交互作用,对抑制小麦体内镉从秸秆向籽粒的转移具有显著效果.     

CO_2浓度升高对铜镉污染土壤粳稻稻米安全品质的影响

采用盆栽试验,在开顶式气室(OTC)内种植水稻,研究了5个粳稻品种在铜镉复合污染土壤上,CO2浓度升高对水稻吸收Cu、Cd和矿质元素Fe、Zn的影响,并对稻米中Cd的安全性进行了评价。结果表明:在2种复合污染水平土壤上,CO2浓度升高条件下,除千重浪2号稻米中Cu含量在高污染土壤处理下增加20.3%外,其他品种稻米Cu含量均有所降低,降低幅度为20.6%~30.2%、2.4%~12.3%;CO2浓度升高除降低了高污染土壤上元丰6号稻米中Cd含量外,均增加了其他品种在低、高污染土壤上的稻米Cd含量,增加幅度分别为3.7%~297.4%、31.7%~209.1%;2种污染水平土壤上,CO2浓度升高对不同品种稻米中Fe、Zn含量变化影响差异显著;CO2浓度升高下,元丰6号、勇丰金穗品种稻米中Cd含量超过食品卫生标准(Cd≤0.2 mg·kg-1);CO2浓度升高会增加5种稻米中Cd的标靶危害系数,其中,勇丰金穗和元丰6号稻米中Cd的THQ值1,表明CO2浓度升高下,其对人体健康已构成了潜在风险。     

铜镉污染土壤上CO2浓度升高对籼稻稻米品质的影响

采用盆栽试验,利用开顶式气室(Open Top Chamber,OTC)研究了5个籼稻品种在高、低铜镉复合污染土壤上,CO2浓度升高对水稻生长及吸收Cu、Cd和矿质元素Fe、Zn、Ca、Mn的影响,并对稻米中Cd的安全性进行了评价,了解Cd污染对人类健康的潜在风险。结果表明:CO2浓度升高,显著降低了低复合污染土壤上稻米的生物量,而显著增加了高复合污染土壤上的稻米生物量。CO2浓度升高降低了低污染土壤上稻米Cu含量,降低幅度为4.75%—24.49%,增加了高污染土壤上稻米Cu含量,增加幅度为6.60%—40.37%;而稻米Cu的总吸收量在低、高复合污染土壤上均是降低的。低、高复合污染土壤上,CO2浓度升高显著降低了三香优974稻米的Cd含量和吸收量;增加了其他4个品种稻米Cd含量和吸收量。CO2浓度升高对不同品种稻米中Fe、Zn、Ca、Mn含量影响存在显著差异。CO2浓度正常、升高条件下,两种污染土壤上金优463稻米中Cd含量超过食品卫生标准(Cd≤0.2mg/kg),三香优974在正常CO2浓度条件下其稻米Cd含量超过食品卫生标准。在低、高复合污染土壤上,金优463和三香优974稻米中Cd的THQ值均大于1,说明对人体暴露接触的潜在风险比较严重。CO2浓度升高显著降低了三香优974稻米中Cd对人体暴露接触的潜在风险,而对其他4个水稻品种稻米Cd的THQ值影响不明显。     

施硅对镉胁迫下水稻镉吸收和转运的调控效应

探讨镉(Cd)胁迫下,施硅处理对水稻镉积累的影响。以水稻"泰优390"为材料,通过营养液培养的方法,研究水稻在3种镉胁迫浓度(Cd1、Cd2、Cd3)下施用4种不同浓度硅(Si0、Si1、Si2、Si3)对水稻镉积累的影响。结果表明:施用硅浓度越高,水稻产量增加越大,对水稻各部位镉含量具有显著降低效果;施硅能显著降低水稻各部位转运系数,阻控镉向地上部转移,且对水稻伤流液中镉含量也能起到显著降低的作用;表明施硅能有效阻控水稻吸收镉,且施硅浓度越高效果越显著,但考虑成本因素,不同程度镉污染应该施用相应量的硅,以达到国家食品中污染物限量标准;施硅与镉胁迫对水稻农艺性状以及镉吸收和转运存在交互作用。本试验结果为科学管理和合理利用重金属污染土壤以及适量施用硅肥提供依据,对生产安全稻米有一定的指导意义。     

硅素对水稻幼苗镉积累及抗胁迫应答的调节效应

施硅(Si)可以显著缓解镉(Cd)胁迫对水稻生长发育的毒害效应。本研究通过水培分根试验,研究了Si对水稻幼苗Cd积累及胁迫应答的调节效应。结果表明: Cd胁迫下水稻幼苗的生物量显著降低,加Si可以显著缓解Cd对水稻幼苗生长的抑制效应。水稻幼苗对Cd的吸收、转运和积累明显受到Si的影响,单侧根系Cd胁迫下加Si(Si-Cd+Si,Si-Cd)使根系对Cd的滞留系数达83.3%～83.6%,限制了Cd从根向地上部转移。单侧根系Cd胁迫下非胁迫侧加Si(Si-Cd)处理的植株对Cd的吸收和累积明显增加,尤其是根中Cd的积累量较单侧根系Cd胁迫下无Si(CK-Cd)处理增加了48.2%;而单侧根系Cd胁迫下双侧加Si(Si-Cd+Si)处理则显著降低了根和地上部对Cd的吸收,较CK-Cd处理分别降低了36.7%和54.9%。双侧Cd胁迫下单侧加Si(Cd-Cd+Si)则使根和地上部对Cd的吸收量显著减少,较双侧根Cd胁迫(Cd-Cd)处理分别降低了57.8%和46.5%。Cd胁迫下水稻幼苗根中含较高浓度的Si,加Si则使Cd胁迫下根和地上部积累更多的Si。加Si也影响了水稻幼苗对其他金属元素如钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)、锰(Mn)的吸收,Cd-Cd+Si处理显著增加了根系和地上部的Ca、Mg浓度,但Mn浓度的变化则因Cd胁迫程度而表现不同。加Si对Cd胁迫下根系超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性有一定的影响,尤其是Si-Cd处理的胁迫侧POD和非胁迫侧SOD活性显著上升,有利于清除Cd胁迫产生的氧自由基。总之,Si对Cd胁迫下水稻幼苗生长、Cd和Si等的吸收及根系的抗氧化反应有一定的调节效应,植株体内较高的Si浓度有利于增强植株对Cd的耐受性。     

镉胁迫对金银花叶片含水量及微量元素吸收积累的影响

采用土培试验方法,研究了不同浓度镉(Cd)胁迫下金银花的叶片含水量和体内微量元素含量的变化。结果表明:随着Cd处理浓度的增加,叶片含水量呈先上升后下降的变化趋势。在100和200mg·kg-1Cd处理下,叶片含水量分别为70.4%和65.3%,与对照相比虽有所降低,但并未表现出显著差异。从整体上看,Cd胁迫促进了根中Fe含量增加,而Mn、Cu和Zn含量均有所下降;与对照相比,叶中Cu含量降低,Fe、Mn和Zn含量均在低浓度Cd处理下增加,随着Cd处理浓度的增加而降低。     

模拟酸雨和镉复合处理对秃瓣杜英生长和荧光参数的影响

通过盆栽试验研究了模拟酸雨(pH 3.0和pH 5.6)和镉(Cd 50和Cd 100)复合污染以及对照处理(CK)对秃瓣杜英(Elaeocarpus glabripetalus)的生长和生理指标的影响。结果表明:单独的酸雨处理显著增加了植株总生物量的积累,促进了根和叶片生物量的分配,降低了茎干生物量的分配,且显著降低了叶片中的镉含量。单独镉处理下,Cd 50显著增加了植株生物量的积累,促进了根和叶片生物量的分配,Cd 100虽抑制了植株生物量的积累,但生物量分配几乎不受影响。复合处理促进了植株根和叶片生物量的分配,降低茎干生物量分配,且降低了根冠比,其中pH 5.6+Cd 100显著促进了植株生物量的积累。所有处理的荧光参数与对照无显著差异,说明未对植株的PSⅡ反应中心产生显著影响。镉在植株体内的积累为:根茎叶。酸雨强度和镉浓度的交互作用对生物量,镉含量和F0影响显著。因此,秃瓣杜英对酸雨和镉的复合污染有较强的耐受能力。     

Vacuolar membrane transporters OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 modulate iron translocation between flag leaves and seeds in rice

The plant vacuole is an important organelle for storing excess iron (Fe), though its contribution to increasing the Fe content in staple foods remains largely unexplored. In this study we report the isolation and functional characterization of two rice genes OsVIT1 and OsVIT2, orthologs of the Arabidopsis VIT1. Transient expression of OsVIT1:EGFP and OsVIT2:EGFP protein fusions revealed that OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 are localized to the vacuolar membrane. Ectopic expression of OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 partially rescued the Fe²⁺‐ and Zn²⁺‐sensitive phenotypes in yeast mutant Δccc1 and Δzrc1, and further increased vacuolar Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ accumulation. These data together suggest that OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 function to transport Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mn²⁺ across the tonoplast into vacuoles in yeast. In rice, OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 are highly expressed in flag leaf blade and sheath, respectively, and in contrast to OsVIT1, OsVIT2 is highly responsive to Fe treatments. Interestingly, functional disruption of OsVIT1 and OsVIT2 leads to increased Fe/Zn accumulation in rice seeds and a corresponding decrease in the source organ flag leaves, indicating an enhanced Fe/Zn translocation between source and sink organs, which might represent a novel strategy to biofortify Fe/Zn in staple foods.     

The expression of heterologous Fe (III) phytosiderophore transporter HvYS1 in rice increases Fe uptake,translocation and seed loading and excludes heavy metals by selective Fe transport

Many metal transporters in plants are promiscuous, accommodating multiple divalent cations including some which are toxic to humans. Previous attempts to increase the iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content of rice endosperm by overexpressing different metal transporters have therefore led unintentionally to the accumulation of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd). Unlike other metal transporters, barley Yellow Stripe 1 (HvYS1) is specific for Fe. We investigated the mechanistic basis of this preference by constitutively expressing HvYS1 in rice under the control of the maize ubiquitin1 promoter and comparing the mobilization and loading of different metals. Plants expressing HvYS1 showed modest increases in Fe uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation, seed accumulation and endosperm loading, but without any change in the uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn, Mn or Cu, confirming the selective transport of Fe. The concentrations of Zn and Mn in the endosperm did not differ significantly between the wild‐type and HvYS1 lines, but the transgenic endosperm contained significantly lower concentrations of Cu. Furthermore, the transgenic lines showed a significantly reduced Cd uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation and accumulation in the seeds. The underlying mechanism of metal uptake and translocation reflects the down‐regulation of promiscuous endogenous metal transporters revealing an internal feedback mechanism that limits seed loading with Fe. This promotes the preferential mobilization and loading of Fe, therefore displacing Cu and Cd in the seed.     

Using iron fertilizer to control Cd accumulation in rice plants: A new promising technology

Effects of two kinds of iron fertilizer, FeSO₄ and EDTA·Na₂Fe were studied on cadmium accumulation in rice plants with two rice genotypes, Zhongzao 22 and Zhongjiazao 02, with soil culture systems. The results showed that application of iron fertilizers could hardly make adverse effects on plant growth and rice grain yield. Soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in rice roots, shoots and rice grain. Cd concentration in white rice of both rice genotypes in the treatment of soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe was much lower than 0.2 mg/kg, the maximal Cd permission concentration in cereal crop foods in State standard. However, soil application of FeSO₄ or foliar application of FeSO₄ or EDTA·Na₂Fe resulted in the significant increase of Cd accumulation in rice plants including rice grain compared with the control. The results also showed iron fertilizers increased the concentration of iron, copper and manganese element in rice grain and also affected zinc concentration in plants. It may be a new promising way to regulate Cd accumulation in rice grain in rice production through soil application of EDTA·Na₂Fe fertilizers to maintain higher content of available iron and ferrous iron in soils.     

Using iron fertilizer to control Cd accumulation in rice plants: A new promising technology

Effects of two kinds of iron fertilizer, FeSO4 and EDTA·Na2Fe were studied on cadmium accumulation in rice plants with two rice genotypes, Zhongzao 22 and Zhongjiazao 02, with soil culture systems. The results showed that application of iron fertilizers could hardly make adverse effects on plant growth and rice grain yield. Soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in rice roots, shoots and rice grain. Cd concentration in white rice of both rice genotypes in the treatment of soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe was much lower than 0.2 mg/kg, the maximal Cd permission concentra- tion in cereal crop foods in State standard. However, soil application of FeSO4 or foliar application of FeSO4 or EDTA·Na2Fe resulted in the significant increase of Cd accumulation in rice plants including rice grain compared with the control. The results also showed iron fertilizers increased the concentra- tion of iron, copper and manganese element in rice grain and also affected zinc concentration in plants. It may be a new promising way to regulate Cd accumulation in rice grain in rice production through soil application of EDTA·Na2Fe fertilizers to maintain higher content of available iron and ferrous iron in soils.     

Iron nutrition affects cadmium accumulation and toxicity in rice plants

The effect of iron (Fe) nutrition on cadmium (Cd) toxicity and accumulation in rice plants was studied using a hydroponic system. The inhibitory effect of Cd on plant growth and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was dependent on Fe level and the genotype. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in leaves and roots was not much affected by an increased Cd stress at 0.171 mg l⁻¹ Fe, but it showed a rapid increase when the plants were exposed to moderate (1.89 mg l⁻¹) and high (16.8 mg l⁻¹) Fe levels. High Fe nutrition caused a marked reduction in Cd content in both leaves and roots. Fe content in plants was lower at high Cd (5.0 μM) stress than at low Cd (<1.0 μM) stress. Cd stress increased both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities at low and moderate Fe levels. However, with high Fe level, it increased the POD activity, but reduced the SOD activity. Our results substantiate the hypothesis that cell membrane-bound iron transporter (carrier) involved in high-affinity iron transport systems can also transport Cd, and both these ions may compete for this common carrier. The study further showed that there were significant correlations between MDA and Fe contents in leaves and roots of rice plants. It is suggested that the occurrence of oxidative stress in plants exposed to Cd stress is mediated by Fe nutrition. The present results also show that Cd stress affects the uptake of Cu and Zn.     

Expression in Arabidopsis and cellular localization reveal involvement of rice NRAMP,OsNRAMP1, in arsenic transport and tolerance

Irrigation of paddy fields to arsenic (As) containing groundwater leads to As accumulation in rice grains and causes serious health risk to the people worldwide. To reduce As intake via consumption of contaminated rice grain, identification of the mechanisms for As accumulation and detoxification in rice is a prerequisite. Herein, we report involvement of a member of rice NRAMP (Natural Resistance‐Associated Macrophage Protein) transporter, OsNRAMP1, in As, in addition to cadmium (Cd), accumulation through expression in yeast and Arabidopsis. Expression of OsNRAMP1 in yeast mutant (fet3fet4) rescued iron (Fe) uptake and exhibited enhanced accumulation of As and Cd. Expression of OsNRAMP1 in Arabidopsis provided tolerance with enhanced As and Cd accumulation in root and shoot. Cellular localization revealed that OsNRAMP1 resides on plasma membrane of endodermis and pericycle cells and may assist in xylem loading for root to shoot mobilization. This is the first report demonstrating role of NRAMP in xylem mediated loading and enhanced accumulation of As and Cd in plants. We propose that genetic modification of OsNRAMP1 in rice might be helpful in developing rice with low As and Cd content in grain and minimize the risk of food chain contamination to these toxic metals.     

Combined Application of Rice Straw and Fungus Penicillium Chrysogenum to Remediate Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Soil

The search for cheap and environmentally friendly materials is essential for remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated agricultural soils. A pot experiment was undertaken to evaluate the application of rice straw and filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (P. chrysogenum) on the fractionation of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd), soil microbial properties, and Cu and Cd uptake by romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in a contaminated agricultural soil. Rice straw was applied at three rates (0, 7.8, and 11.7 g kg^?1 soil), and in combinations with P. chrysogenum (1.0 × 10⁶ spores g^?1 soil). It was found that the combined treatment of rice straw and P. chrysogenum significantly decreased the acid-extractable Cu and Cd by 15.4–25.1% and 20.2–27.3%, and increased the oxidizable Cu and Cd by 16.1–18.0% and 72.1–98.4%, respectively. Soil microbial biomass and fresh weight of lettuce were also remarkably enhanced after rice straw plus P. chrysogenum addition. Rice straw combined with P. chrysogenum was more effective in reducing Cu and Cd uptake by lettuce than rice straw alone. The joint application of rice straw and P. chrysogenum remarkably reduced Cu and Cd concentrations in lettuce shoots by 13.6–21.9% and 32.9–41.7%, respectively. These results indicate that the combined application of P. chrysogenum and rice straw is a promising method to alleviate the bioavailability of metals, and to improve soil microbial properties and plant yield in heavy-metal-polluted agricultural soils.     

Constitutive overexpression of the OsNAS gene family reveals single-gene strategies for effective iron- and zinc-biofortification of rice endosperm

Background

Rice is the primary source of food for billions of people in developing countries, yet the commonly consumed polished grain contains insufficient levels of the key micronutrients iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and Vitamin A to meet daily dietary requirements. Experts estimate that a rice-based diet should contain 14.5 µg g⁻¹ Fe in endosperm, the main constituent of polished grain, but breeding programs have failed to achieve even half of that value. Transgenic efforts to increase the Fe concentration of rice endosperm include expression of ferritin genes, nicotianamine synthase genes (NAS) or ferritin in conjunction with NAS genes, with results ranging from two-fold increases via single-gene approaches to six-fold increases via multi-gene approaches, yet no approach has reported 14.5 µg g⁻¹ Fe in endosperm.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Three populations of rice were generated to constitutively overexpress OsNAS1, OsNAS2 or OsNAS3, respectively. Nicotianamine, Fe and Zn concentrations were significantly increased in unpolished grain of all three of the overexpression populations, relative to controls, with the highest concentrations in the OsNAS2 and OsNAS3 overexpression populations. Selected lines from each population had at least 10 µg g⁻¹ Fe in polished grain and two OsNAS2 overexpression lines had 14 and 19 µg g⁻¹ Fe in polished grain, representing up to four-fold increases in Fe concentration. Two-fold increases of Zn concentration were also observed in the OsNAS2 population. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that OsNAS2 overexpression leads to significant enrichment of Fe and Zn in phosphorus-free regions of rice endosperm.

Conclusions

The OsNAS genes, particularly OsNAS2, show enormous potential for Fe and Zn biofortification of rice endosperm. The results demonstrate that rice cultivars overexpressing single rice OsNAS genes could provide a sustainable and genetically simple solution to Fe and Zn deficiency disorders affecting billions of people throughout the world.     

Iron plaque decreases cadmium accumulation in Oryza sativa L. and serves as a source of iron

• Cadmium (Cd) contamination occurs in paddy soils; hence it is necessary to reduce Cd content of rice. Application and mode of action of ferrous sulphate in minimizing Cd in rice was monitored in the present study.
• Pot culture with Indian rice variety Swarna (MTU 7029) was maintained in Cd‐spiked soil containing ferrous sulphates, which is expected to reduce Cd accumulation in rice. Responses in rhizosphere pH, root surface, metal accumulation in plant and molecular physiological processes were monitored.
• Iron plaque was induced on root surfaces after FeSO4 application and the amount of Fe in plaque reduced with increases in Cd in the soil. Rhizosphere pH decreased during plaque formation and became more acidic due to secretion of organic acids from the roots under Cd treatment. Moreover, iron chelate reductase activity increased with Cd treatment, but in the absence of Cd, activity of this enzyme increased in plaque‐induced plants. Cd treatment caused expression of OsYSL18, whereas OsYSL15 was expressed only in roots without iron plaque. Fe content of plants increased during plaque formation, which protected plants from Cd‐induced Fe deficiency and metal toxicity. This was corroborated with increased biomass, chlorophyll content and quantum efficiency of photo‐synthesis among plaque‐induced plants.
• We conclude that ferrous sulphate‐induced iron plaque prevents Cd accumulation and Fe deficiency in rice. Iron released from plaque via organic acid mediated dissolution during Cd stress.