Identification of quantitative trait loci for cadmium tolerance and accumulation in wheat

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for Cadmium (Cd) tolerance and accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were identified, using 103 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross of Ch × Sh at germination and seedling stages. The traits of germination, growth and physiology were measured. Cd tolerance indexes (TI) were calculated for plants under Cd stress relative to control conditions. Cd concentrations in both root and shoot were determined and the amount of Cd accumulation and translocation calculated. The phenotypic variation of the above traits showed a continuous distribution pattern among the RILs. Twenty-six QTLs were detected, (16 of which were designated for the traits under the control and Cd stress, 8 for Cd tolerance and 2 for root Cd accumulation). These 26 QTLs individually could explain 7.97–60.16% of the phenotypic variation. Fourteen QTLs were positive (with the additive effects coming from Ch) while the remaining 12 QTLs were negative (with the additive effects contributed by Sh). No QTL were detected in the same region on the chromosomes of wheat. The results indicated that genetic mechanisms controlling the traits of Cd tolerance were independent from each other. Therefore, in this study, the properties of Cd tolerance and accumulation showed to be independent traits in wheat.     

Comparisons of cadmium tolerance and accumulation at seedling stage in wheat varieties grown in different decades in China

Cadmium (Cd) tolerance and accumulation in wheat varieties were investigated at seedling stage under a controlled environmental condition. The 46 leading wheat varieties cultivated from the 1950s to 2000s in China were treated at the three-leaf stage with a 50 μM CdCl₂ solution for 24 days. Growth and photosynthesis parameters were measured and the Cd-tolerance index (ratio of a given parameter under Cd treatment to that of the control) was determined. Cd accumulation in shoots and roots and Cd translocation were also determined. It was found that Cd tolerance and accumulation of these wheat varieties varied over the different decades. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that wheat varieties in 1950s and 1980s were tolerant while varieties from the last decade were sensitive to Cd stress. Wheat varieties in 1960s and 1970s were particularly tolerant to Cd stress for the parameters of shoot height, secondary root numbers, net photosynthesis and transpiration rate while the varieties in the 1990s were sensitive to Cd stress for shoot dry weight and root dry weight. Comparing each decade to the average Cd translocation ratio from the roots to the shoots for the whole period, the varieties from the 1950s and 1960s had a higher translocation ratio, while varieties in the 1970s were below that average. Varieties from the 1980s to 2000s showed an average translocation ratio. Using cluster analysis (CA), Shannongfu 63, Yangmai 1 and Yangmai 158 were the most Cd-tolerant varieties in which Cd translocation ratio were low, and Yumai 18 and Huaimai 20 were the most Cd-sensitive varieties in which Cd translocation ratio were high. The results indicating that wheat varieties from different decades were different in Cd tolerance and accumulation, and could be useful for breeding wheat for Cd stress tolerance.     

Carbon mineralization in soil of roots from twenty crop species,as affected by their chemical composition and botanical family

Background and aims

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been widely studied for agricultural applications. One aim of this study was to isolate cadmium (Cd)-tolerant bacteria from nodules of Glycine max (L.) Merr. grown in heavy metal-contaminated soil in southwest of China. The plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits and the effects of the isolate on plant growth and Cd uptake by legume and non-legume plants in Cd-polluted soil were investigated.

Methods

Cd-tolerant bacteria were isolated by selective media. The isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis. The PGR traits of the isolates were evaluated in vitro. Cd in soil and plant samples was determined by ICP-MS.

Results

One of the most Cd-tolerant bacteria simultaneously exhibited several PGP traits. Inoculation with the PGPR strain had positive impacts on contents of photosynthesis pigments and mineral nutrients (Fe or Mg) in plant leaves. The shoot dry weights of Lolium multiflorum Lam. increased significantly compared to uninoculated control. Furthermore, inoculation with the PGPR strain increased the Cd concentrations in root of L. multiflorum Lam. and extractable Cd concentrations in the rhizosphere, while the Cd concentrations in root and shoot of G. max (L.) Merr. significantly decreased.

Conclusions

This study indicates that inoculation with Cd-tolerant PGPR can alleviate Cd toxicity to the plants, increase Cd accumulation in L. multiflorum Lam. by enhancing Cd availability in soils and plant biomass, but decrease Cd accumulation in G. max (L.) Merr. by increasing Fe availability, thus highlighting new insight into the exploration of PGPR on Cd-contaminated soil.     

硒和碲对缓解糜子镉毒害及减少籽粒镉积累的调控效应

提高糜子(Panicum miliaceum)镉耐受性与低积累能力对镉污染地区糜子的安全生产具有重要意义。该研究以镉耐受和镉敏感糜子品种为材料,通过苗期水培和全生育期盆栽试验,分析不同形态硒和四价碲对镉胁迫下糜子生长、根系形态、镉吸收转运和籽粒矿质营养含量的影响。结果表明,外源添加硒和碲能缓解镉毒害,其中有机硒缓解效果较好。与单独镉处理相比,硒和碲能够促进根系直径增加并抑制镉吸收,最高可使根系镉含量降低33%。此外,硒和碲能够增加细胞壁和液泡中镉的占比,提高镉耐受性。叶面喷施硒提高了糜子籽粒中锌、锰和钼等矿质营养元素含量。无机四价硒能更有效地抑制镉从营养器官向籽粒的转运,在5mg·kg^–1镉处理下,可使镉敏感和镉耐受品种籽粒镉含量分别降低11.3%和20.3%。综上,外源添加硒能够显著提高糜子镉耐受性并减少籽粒镉积累。研究结果可为镉污染地区糜子的安全生产提供参考。     

Quantitative trait loci controlling resistance to cadmium rhizotoxicity in two recombinant inbred populations of Arabidopsis thaliana are partially shared by those for hydrogen peroxide resistance

To understand mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) tolerance variation associated with root elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana , quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and epistasis were analyzed using relative root length (RRL: % of the root length in +Cd to −Cd) as a tolerant index. Using the composite interval mapping method, three major QTLs ( P < 0.05) were detected on chromosomes 2, 4 and 5 in the recombinant inbred population derived from a cross between Landsberg erecta (L er −0) and Columbia (Col-4). The highest logarithm of odds (LOD) of 5.6 was detected with the QTL on chromosome 5 (QTL5), which is linked to the genetic marker CDPK9 and explained about 26% of the Cd tolerance variation. There was no significant difference in Cd-translocation ratio from roots to shoots between tolerant and sensitive recombinant inbreed lines (RILs), while greater accumulations of reactive oxygen species were observed in the roots of sensitive RILs. This suggested that accumulation of ROS would explain Cd tolerance variation of the L er /Col RILs, which is mainly controlled by the QTL on chromosome 5. The QTL5 in L er /Col population was also detected as one of the major QTLs controlling tolerances to hydrogen peroxide and to copper, which is another ROS generating rhizotoxic metal. The same chromosomal position was detected as a common major QTL for Cd and hydrogen peroxide tolerances in a different recombinant inbreed (RI) population derived from a cross of Col- gl1 and Kashmir (Kas-1). These data, along with a multitraits QTL analysis in both sets of RILs, suggest that peroxide damage depends on the genotype at a major Cd-tolerant locus on the upper part of chromosome 5.     

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。     

Elucidating Cd-mediated distinct rhizospheric and in planta ionomic and physio-biochemical responses of two contrasting Zea mays L. cultivars

Cadmium (Cd) in soil–plant system can abridge plant growth by initiating alterations in root zones. Hydroponics and rhizoboxes are useful techniques to monitor plant responses against various natural and/or induced metal stresses. However, soil based studies are considered more appropriate in order to devise efficient food safety and remediation strategies. The present research evaluated the Cd-mediated variations in elemental dynamics of rhizospheric soil together with in planta ionomics and morpho-physio-biochemical traits of two differentially Cd responsive maize cultivars. Cd-sensitive (31P41) and Cd-tolerant (3062) cultivars were grown in pots filled with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/kg CdCl₂ supplemented soil. The results depicted that the maize cultivars significantly influenced the elemental dynamics of rhizosphere as well as in planta mineral accumulation under applied Cd stress. The uptake and translocation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe from rhizosphere and root cell sap was significantly higher in Cd stressed cv. 3062 as compared to cv. 31P41. In sensitive cultivar (31P41), Cd toxicity resulted in significantly prominent reduction of biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents as well as catalase activity in comparison to tolerant one (3062). Analysis of tolerance indexes (TIs) validated that cv. 3062 exhibited advantageous growth and efficient Cd tolerance due to elevated proline, phenolics and activity of antioxidative machinery as compared to cv. 31P41. The cv. 3062 exhibited 54% and 37% less Cd bio-concentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF), respectively in comparison to cv. 31P41 under highest Cd stress regime. Lower BCF and TF designated a higher Cd stabilization by tolerant cultivar (3062) in rhizospheric zone and its potential use in future remediation plans.     

A Study on Cadmium Phytoremediation Potential of Indian Mustard,Brassica juncea

The objective of this study was to investigate Cd phytoremediation ability of Indian mustard, Brassica juncea. The study was conducted with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg Kg^?1 CdCl₂ in laboratory for 21 days and Cd concentrations in the root, shoot and leaf tissues were estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The plant showed high Cd tolerance of up to 400 mg Kg^?1 but there was a general trend of decline in the root and shoot length, tissue biomass, leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. The tolerance index (TI) of plants were calculated taking both root and shoot lengths as variables. The maximum tolerance (TI _shoot = 87.4 % and TI _root = 89.6 %) to Cd toxicity was observed at 25 mg Kg^?1, which progressively decreased with increase in dose. The highest shoot (10791 μg g^?1 dry wt) and root (9602 μg g^?1 dry wt) Cd accumulation was achieved at 200 mg kg^?1 Cd treatment and the maximum leaf Cd accumulation was 10071.6 μg g^?1 dry wt achieved at 100 mg Kg^?1 Cd, after 21 days of treatment. The enrichment coefficient and root to shoot translocation factor were calculated, which, pointed towards the suitability of Indian mustard for removing Cd from soil.     

Mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance in wheat – a review of root and shoot physiology

We review the detrimental effects of waterlogging on physiology, growth and yield of wheat. We highlight traits contributing to waterlogging tolerance and genetic diversity in wheat. Death of seminal roots and restriction of adventitious root length due to O₂ deficiency result in low root:shoot ratio. Genotypes differ in seminal root anoxia tolerance, but mechanisms remain to be established; ethanol production rates do not explain anoxia tolerance. Root tip survival is short‐term, and thereafter, seminal root re‐growth upon re‐aeration is limited. Genotypes differ in adventitious root numbers and in aerenchyma formation within these roots, resulting in varying waterlogging tolerances. Root extension is restricted by capacity for internal O₂ movement to the apex. Sub‐optimal O₂ restricts root N uptake and translocation to the shoots, with N deficiency causing reduced shoot growth and grain yield. Although photosynthesis declines, sugars typically accumulate in shoots of waterlogged plants. Mn or Fe toxicity might occur in shoots of wheat on strongly acidic soils, but probably not more widely. Future breeding for waterlogging tolerance should focus on root internal aeration and better N‐use efficiency; exploiting the genetic diversity in wheat for these and other traits should enable improvement of waterlogging tolerance.     

Genotypic variation in safflower (Carthamus spp.) cadmium accumulation and tolerance affected by temperature and cadmium levels

Soil pollution is a world-wide problem, with heavy metals being a major part of the concern. To investigate the effect of temperature on cadmium (Cd) uptake and translocation, as well as Cd tolerance in wild and cultivated species of safflower, a hydroponic experiment was conducted under controlled conditions. The responses of four wild genotypes (Isfahan, Arak, Azari, and Shiraz) and four cultivated genotypes (AC-Sterling, 2811, Saffire, and C111) of safflower to nine levels of CdCl₂ (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 μM) in solution were examined under two temperatures (18 and 23 °C). Cadmium sensitivity was determined using the Weibull model on the total dry weight of the plants. Cadmium uptake and translocation were analyzed on 1 μM Cd treated plants. Results revealed that safflower genotypes differed in terms of uptake, translocation, and tolerance to Cd, with AC-Sterling and Arak indicating the most and the least tolerance to Cd, respectively. Relative Cd uptake and Cd concentration in roots and shoots increased with an increase in temperature in all genotypes, with the exception of AC-Sterling. Net accumulation of Cd via root increased with an increase in temperature for the wild Azari and the cultivated 2811, Saffire, and C111, though it decreased for the rest of genotypes. Cadmium translocation to shoots significantly increased with increased temperature in all genotypes. Cadmium translocation from roots to shoots in cultivated genotypes was significantly greater than in wild genotypes. Root Cd concentration in wild genotypes was significantly greater than in cultivated genotypes. It seems that wild and cultivated species of safflower differ in their response to Cd. Furthermore, temperature may affect the plant's tolerance to Cd, probably through accompanying changes in Cd uptake and translocation from root to shoot.     

Evaluation of wheat landrace genotypes for salinity tolerance at vegetative stage by using morphological and molecular markers

Identification of new sources of salt tolerance is particularly important to develop crop varieties suitable for saline soils. We evaluated 129 Pakistani and 58 exotic wheat landraces/cultivars grown in Hoagland's hydroponic nutrient solution, under control (tap water equivalent to 10 mM salt) and salt stress (200 mM NaCl) conditions. Forty-four genotypes were also tested under 250 mM NaCl stress. High heritability and positive correlations suggested that number of tillers per plant, root length, root fresh and dry weights, and shoot fresh and dry weights are associated with salt tolerance and could be used as selection criteria. SSR markers revealed high genetic variation in the wheat genotypes. Twelve SSR markers (cfd 1, cfd 9, cfd 18, cfd 46, cfd 49, cfd 183, wmc 11, wmc 17, wmc 18, wmc 154, wmc 432, and wmc 503) were found to be associated with salt tolerance because they were amplified in tolerant genotypes only. Five markers, cfd 9, cfd 18, cfd 183, wmc 96, and wmc 405, were identified as most suitable to evaluate salt tolerance because they were associated with four or more salt tolerance traits studied. Cultivars Pasban 90, accessions 10790, 10828, 10823, and 4098805 from Pakistan and Sakha-92 from Egypt performed best at both stress levels.     

Cadmium tolerant and sensitive wheat lines: their differences in pollutant accumulation,cell damage,and autophagy

Cadmium (Cd) is a major abiotic stressor that affects plant growth and reduces the productivity of field crops. Here, we examined the ultrastructural, physiological, and molecular changes in three wheat cultivars [Sumai 3, Jingdong 8 (JD 8), and Nannong 9918 (9918)] in response to different concentrations of Cd (0, 10, 50, and 100 μM) in 1/4 Hoagland nutrient solution. The results showed that JD 8 contained the lowest shoot Cd content and the highest root Cd content among the three cultivars at higher Cd concentrations and so JD 8 was proposed to be a relatively Cd-tolerant cultivar. Next, the stress responses of JD 8 and 9918 were compared. Cadmium reduced root growth and size and number of the leaves, inhibited root hair development, and promoted leaf cell death. The result of trypan blue staining showed that the dead leaf cells induced by Cd stress gradually emerged in the xylem, supporting the hypothesis that cell death could restrict Cd transport. The Cd-induced deterioration of the leaf ultrastructure led to the complete disorganization of the chloroplasts, which had lower amounts of transitory starch and an increased number of osmiophilic granules compared to those in the untreated controls. Autophagy-related genes and autophagy in the leaves were induced by Cd stress. At the same concentration and Cd treatment time, the Cd-tolerant genotype JD 8 exhibited less toxic symptoms compared to the Cd-sensitive genotype 9918. The results of this study provide insights into the ultrastructural and physiological damages induced by Cd stress, which may help in selecting Cd-tolerant wheat cultivars.     

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.     

Plant Cd2+ and Zn2+ status effects on root and shoot heavy metal accumulation in Thlaspi caerulescens

* In this study we address the impact of changes in plant heavy metal, (i.e. zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd)) status on metal accumulation in the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator, Thlaspi caerulescens. * Thlaspi caerulescens plants were grown hydroponically on both high and low Zn and Cd regimes and whole-shoot and -root metal accumulation, and root (109)Cd(2+) influx were determined. * High-Zn-grown (500 microm Zn) plants were found to be more Cd-tolerant than plants grown in standard Zn conditions (1 microm Zn). Furthermore, shoot Cd accumulation was significantly greater in the high-Zn-grown plants. A positive correlation was also found between shoot Zn accumulation and increased plant Cd status. Radiotracer (109)Cd root flux experiments demonstrated that high-Zn-grown plants maintained significantly higher root Cd(2+) influx than plants grown on 1 microm Zn. It was also found that both nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) shoot accumulation were stimulated by high plant Zn status, while manganese (Mn) accumulation was not affected. * A speculative model is presented to explain these findings, suggesting that xylem loading may be one of the key sites responsible for the hyperaccumulation of Zn and Cd accumulation in Thlaspi caerulescens.     

Changes in Germination and Seedling Traits of Sesame under Simulated Drought

Drought is considered one of the leading abiotic constraints to agricultural crop production globally. Present study was conducted to assess the effects of different drought treatments (viz. Control, 10% PEG, and 20% PEG) on seed germination, germination indices, seedling traits, and drought tolerance indices of sesame. Our results showed that maximum reduction in the studied parameters was observed at higher PEG concentration (i.e., 20% PEG). As compared to control, the drought treatments viz. 10% and 20% PEG decreased the values for germination indices, such as germination percentage, coefficient of variation of germination time, germination index, and seedling vigor index. Similarly, for seedling traits, the values were decreased for root length, shoot length, root shoot ratio, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight and shoot dry weight under 10% and 20% PEG treatments significantly in comparison with control. Furthermore, relative to control, the values for drought tolerance indices, such as germination drought tolerance index, root length drought tolerance index, shoot length drought tolerance index, total seedling length drought tolerance index, root fresh weight drought tolerance index, shoot fresh weight drought tolerance index, total fresh weight drought tolerance index, root dry weight drought tolerance index, shoot dry weight drought tolerance index and total dry weight drought tolerance index were also reduced under 10% and 20% PEG treatments, respectively. Our results confirms that drought impact on seed germination and seedling traits could be quantified by using different indices which can further help to design drought adaptation and mitigation strategies. Based on these results it can be concluded that germination indices, seedling traits, and drought tolerance indices have great potential to simulate drought stress impacts on different crop traits thus they should be used in all kinds of stress related studies.     

Effects of nutrient solution zinc activity on net uptake,translocation, and root export of cadmium and zinc by separated sections of intact durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var durum) seedling roots

Cd accumulation in durum wheat presents a potential health risk to consumers. In an effort to understand the physiological mechanisms involved with Cd accumulation, this study examined the effects of Zn on Cd root uptake and phloem translocation in a split– root system. Durum wheat seedlings were grown in chelate-buffered nutrient solution with intact root systems divided into two sections. Each root section grew in a separate 1 l pot, one of which contained 0.2 μM CdSO₄. In addition, each two-pot system contained ZnSO₄ in the following combinations (in μm) (for -cd root system: +cd root system): 1:1, 1:10, 10:1,10:10, 1:19, and 19:1. Harvested plant material was analyzed for Cd and Zn. In addition, rates of Cd and Zn net uptake, translocation to the shoot, and root export (translocation from one root segment to the other) between days 8 and 22 were calculated. Results show that Zn was not translocated from one root section to its connected root section. Uptake rates of Cd increased as solution Zn concentrations increased. Cd translocation from one root section to the other decreased significantly when the Zn concentration in either pot was greater than 1 μM. These results show the potential of Zn to inhibit movement of Cd via the phloem, and suggests that providing adequate Zn levels may limit phloem loading of Cd into wheat grain. Increasing the rhizosphere activity of Zn²⁺ in Cd-containing soils may therefore result in reduced Cd accumulation in grain even while net Cd uptake is slightly enhanced. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Natural variation in cadmium tolerance and its relationship to metal hyperaccumulation for seven populations of Thlaspi caerulescens from western Europe

Thlaspi caerulescens J. & C. Presl is a distinctive metallophyte of central and western Europe that almost invariably hyperaccumulates Zn to> 1.0% of shoot dry biomass in its natural habitats, and can hyperaccumulate Ni to> 0.1% when growing on serpentine soils. Populations from the Ganges region of southern France also have a remarkable ability to accumulate Cd in their shoots to concentrations well in excess of 0.01% without apparent toxicity symptoms. Because hyperaccumulation of Cd appears to be highly variable in this species, the relationship between Cd tolerance and metal accumulation was investigated for seven contrasting populations of T. caerulescens grown under controlled conditions in solution culture. The populations varied considerably in average plant biomass (3.1‐fold), shoot : root ratio (2.2‐fold), Cd hyperaccumulation (3.5‐fold), shoot : root Cd‐concentration ratio (3.1‐fold), and shoot Cd : Zn ratio (2.6‐fold), but the degree of hyperaccumulation of Cd and Zn were strongly correlated. Two populations from the Ganges region were distinct in exhibiting high degrees of both Cd tolerance and hyperaccumulation (one requiring 3 µM Cd for optimal growth), whereas across the other five populations there was an inverse relationship between Cd tolerance and hyperaccumulation, as has been noted previously for Zn. Metal hyperaccumulation was negatively correlated with shoot : root ratio, which could account quantitatively for the differences between populations in shoot Zn (but not Cd) concentrations. On exposure to 30 µM Cd, the two Ganges populations showed marked reductions in shoot Zn and Fe concentrations, although Cd accumulation was not inhibited by elevated Zn; in the other five populations, 30 µM Cd had little or no effect on Zn or Fe accumulation but markedly reduced shoot Ca concentration. These results support a proposal that Cd is taken up predominantly via a high‐affinity uptake system for Fe in the Ganges populations, but via a lower‐affinity pathway for Ca in other populations. Total shoot Cd accumulated per plant was much more closely related to population Cd tolerance than Cd hyperaccumulation, indicating that metal tolerance may be the more important selection criterion in developing lines with greatest phytoremediation potential.     

Assessing the Tolerance of Castor Bean to Cd and Pb for Phytoremediation Purposes

This study evaluated Cd and Pb accumulation by castor bean (Ricinus communis cv. Guarany) plants grown in nutrient solution, aiming to assess the plant’s ability and tolerance to grow in Cd- and Pb-contaminated solutions for phytoremediation purposes. The plants were grown in individual pots containing Hoagland and Arnon’s nutrient solution with increasing concentrations of Cd and Pb. The production of root and shoot dry matter and their contents of Cd, Pb, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were evaluated in order to calculate the translocation and bioaccumulation factors, as well as toxicity of Cd and Pb. Cadmium caused severe symptoms of phytotoxicity in the plant’s root and shoot, but no adverse effect was observed for Pb. Castor bean is an appropriate plant to be used as indicator plant for Cd and tolerante for Pb in contaminated solution and it can be potentially used for phytoremediation of contaminated areas.     

Phytochelatin and cadmium accumulation in wheat

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential heavy metal that can be harmful at low concentrations in organisms. Therefore, it is necessary to decrease Cd accumulation in the grains of wheats aimed for human consumption. In response to Cd, higher plants synthesize sulphur-rich peptides, phytochelatins (PCs). PC–heavy metal complexes have been reported to accumulate in the vacuole. Retention of Cd in the root cell vacuoles might influence the symplastic radial Cd transport to the xylem and further transport to the shoot, resulting in genotypic differences in grain Cd accumulation. We have studied PC accumulation in 12-day-old seedlings of two cultivars of spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), and two spring durum wheat cultivars (Triticum turgidum var. durum) with different degrees of Cd accumulation in the grains. Shoots and roots were analysed for dry weight, Cd and PC accumulation. There were no significant differences between the species or the varieties in the growth response to Cd, nor in the distributions of PC chain lengths or PC isoforms. At 1 μM external Cd, durum wheat had a higher total Cd uptake than bread wheat, however, the shoot-to-root Cd concentration ratio was higher in bread wheat. When comparing varieties within a species, the high grain Cd accumulators exhibited lower rates of root Cd accumulation, shoot Cd accumulation, and root PC accumulation, but higher shoot-to-root Cd concentration ratios. Intraspecific variation in grain Cd accumulation is apparently not only explained by differential Cd accumulation as such, but rather by a differential plant-internal Cd allocation pattern. However, the higher average grain Cd accumulation in the durum wheats, as compared to the bread wheats, is associated with a higher total Cd accumulation in the plant, rather than with differential plant-internal Cd allocation. The root-internal PC chain length distributions and PC–thiol-to-Cd molar ratios did not significantly differ between species or varieties, suggesting that differential grain Cd accumulation is not due to differential PC-based Cd sequestration in the roots.