Production of organic acids and adsorption of Cd on roots of durum wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum turgidum</Emphasis> L. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">durum</Emphasis>)

A number of isolines of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) differ in their translocation of Cd. In the field, the high isolines accumulate twice the Cd in leaves and grain when compared to the low isolines. The hypothesis that differential accumulation of Cd is associated with differential production of organic acids was tested by measuring Cd content in tissues, Cd partitioning within the root, and organic acids in tissues. In solution culture, the high and low isolines of W9261-BG did not differ in any of the variables measured. Within W9260-BC, the low isoline had half the Cd in its shoot, 30% more tightly bound Cd in the root and higher concentrations of fumaric, malic, and succinic acids in the root compared to the high isoline. Differential Cd accumulation may be linked to differential adsorption and retention of Cd in the roots of the low Cd-accumulating isolines, possibly via chelation with organic acids.     

Cadmium distribution and its effects on molybdate-containing hydroxylases in Phragmites australis

The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological and biochemical parameters was studied to elucidate the mechanism of Cd resistance in Phragmites australis. Cadmium concentrations in roots, stems and leaves increased with exogenous Cd concentration, but Cd content in roots was much higher than in shoots. X-ray microanalysis was used to reveal compartments in which Cd accumulated in root cortex. Cadmium concentrations followed a gradient with the sequence: intercellular space > cell wall > vacuole > cytoplasm, indicating that most Cd was immobilized in the apoplast or sequestered into the vacuolar lumen. Sequential extraction of various Cd chelates revealed that more than half of extractable Cd was bound to proteins, whereas 26% was bound to organic acids. Cd-binding protein fractions were found in the roots after gel filtration chromatography, among which a polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 14 kDa bound Cd most avidly. One newly synthesized polypeptide of low molecular mass (1 kDa) appeared under Cd pollution, whereas a prominent fraction of 72 kDa disappeared. Four aldehyde oxidase (AO) isoenzyme activities increased significantly in roots under Cd pollution. Cd stress also enhanced xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activities in roots. Two AO polypeptides of different molecular sizes were detected in the roots by Western blot assay. The abundance of the 160 kDa subunit correlated with Cd stress, but the amount of the 90 kDa polypeptide did not change under Cd treatment. Enhanced abscisic acid (ABA) contents were observed in roots of P. australis exposed to Cd. The involvement of Cd distribution in plant tissues and subcellular compartments and of AO and XDH enzymatic activities in the acclimation mechanism of P. australis to Cd pollution is discussed herein.     

Amelioration of phytotoxic effects of Cd on mung bean seedlings by gluconic acid secreting rhizobacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterobacter asburiae</Emphasis> PSI3 and implication of role of organic acid

Mung bean seedlings inoculated with Enterobacter asburiae PSI3, a gluconic acid-producing rhizosphere isolate, enhanced plant growth in the presence of phytotoxic levels of Cd²⁺ in gnotobiotic pot experiments as compared to the uninoculated Cd-treated plants. Addition of organic acids to Cd-stressed seedlings promoted root elongation. Hematoxylin competition assays showed that organic acids could displace Cd²⁺ from the Cd²⁺: hematoxylin complex in the same order of effectiveness as was found for restoration of root net elongation viz. oxalate > malate > succinate while gluconate was effective at higher concentrations. Root associated Cd²⁺, assessed by hematoxylin staining of roots was found to be reduced when roots were treated with organic acid. Cd stress increased antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in mung bean roots while organic acid treatment suppressed the up-regulation of these enzymes by Cd.     

Enhanced cadmium accumulation in maize roots—the impact of organic acids

Low molecular weight organic acids are important components of root exudates and therefore, knowledge regarding the mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) uptake and distribution within plants under the influence of organic acids, is necessary for a better understanding of Cd behavior in the plant–soil system. In this study, acetic and malic acids increased the uptake of Cd by maize (Zea mays L. cv. TY2) roots and enhanced Cd accumulation in shoots under hydroponic conditions. Concentration-dependent net Cd influx in the presence and absence of organic acids could be resolved into linear and saturable components. The saturable component followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics, which indicated that Cd uptake across the plasma membrane was transporter-mediated. While the K _m values were similar, the V _max values in the presence of acetic and malic acids were respectively 6.0 and 3.0 times that of the control. Zinc transporters were the most probable pathways for Cd accumulation. It was hypothesized that Cd(II)–organic acid complexes associated with the root zone, could decompose and liberate Cd²⁺ for subsequent absorption by maize roots; and that in the layer of the roots or within the root free space, depletion of Cd²⁺ was buffered by the presence of Cd(II)–organic acid complexes. Plant response to elevated Cd levels involved overproduction of organic acids in maize roots as a resistance mechanism to alleviate Cd toxicity.     

Accumulation,distribution and toxicological effects induced by cadmium on the development of mangrove plant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kandelia candel</Emphasis> (L.)

Accumulation and distribution pattern of cadmium (Cd) and its toxic effect on growth of the mangrove plant of young Kandelia candel seedlings have been examined. This study demonstrated that under high concentration of Cd stress, the total biomass of K. candel decreased 41.57% compare to control (CK). At the end of 90 days exposure to 25 mg/l Cd, the average seedlings stem height and leaf number of the K. candel decreased by 30.54 and 42.68%, respectively. The results showed that K. candel seedlings, under the experimental condition, accumulated higher concentration of Cd in their roots (411.29 ± 3.60 mg/kg) when compared to hypocotyls, stems and leaves. More than 95% of Cd was accumulated mainly in roots. The distribution pattern of Cd concentration in K. candel seedlings was found in the following order: roots > hypocotyls > stems > leaves. Based on the leaf symptoms and morphological change of K. candel seedlings under heavy metal stress, this study showed that Cd is phytotoxic to K. candel.     

Tolerance mechanisms in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cassia alata</Emphasis> exposed to cadmium toxicity – potential use for phytoremediation

Cadmium is often detected in areas contaminated by heavy metals and the incidence of this element in dangerous concentrations has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities. The aim of this research was to determine Cd concentrations in tissues, quantify compounds, pigments and enzymes, and to evaluate the gas exchange. Our aim was also to identify components that can modify and contribute to tolerance of Cassia alata against Cd toxicity. We used five Cd concentrations (0, 22, 44, 88, and 132 μM) to validate our hypothesis. The Cd concentrations in tissues of C. alata plants increased significantly, compared with the control treatment, in the following graduated sequence: root > leaf > stem. Progressive enhancement in glutathione (GSH) was verified in plants treated with all Cd concentrations used, when compared with treatment without Cd. Antioxidant enzyme activities presented similar patterns with progressive enhancements, being a desirable characteristic for plants with a potential to hyperaccumulate Cd. Our results suggest that C. alata plants can be used for phytoremediation programs. Their defense mechanism is based on Cd accumulation in roots, coupled with increase in GSH and the efficient activity of antioxidant enzymes that contribute to minimize the oxidative stress and consequently improve the protection of the metabolic machinery.     

秋茄(Kandelia candel (L))根系分泌低分子量有机酸及其对重金属生物有效性的影响

应用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-Ms)与高效液相色谱(HPLC)分别对福建漳江口红树林湿地不同土壤结构(砂质与泥质)根际与非根际沉积物中重金属(Cu,Pb,Cd,Zn)含量,以及生长于砂质与泥质滩涂上的红树植物秋茄(Kandelia candel(L)Druce))幼苗根系分泌物中的低分子量有机酸进行测定。在室内模拟秋茄根系分泌的低分子量有机酸,作为重金属提取剂提取沉积物中可溶解态与碳酸盐结合态重金属,并与欧盟标准物质局(BCR)连续提取法相比较,探讨红树根系分泌的低分子量有机酸对红树林沉积物重金属生物有效性的影响。研究结果表明:漳江口红树林泥质沉积物中重金属含量大于砂质沉积物,根际沉积物大于非根际沉积物。两样地沉积物中重金属的赋存形态主要以铁锰氧化物结合态为主,根际沉积物中可交换态与碳酸盐结合态重金属含量均大于非根际沉积物。秋茄根系分泌低分子量有机酸为甲酸,丁酸,苹果酸,柠檬酸,乳酸。不同土壤结构对秋茄根系分泌的苹果酸,柠檬酸,乳酸有显著影响(P<0.05)。以低分子量有机酸作为提取剂对沉积物中可溶解态与碳酸盐结合态重金属的提取率表现为:柠檬酸>混合酸>苹果酸>乳酸>乙酸,低分子量有机酸对红树林沉积物重金属的生物有效性有促进作用。     

镉与萘复合胁迫对红树植物白骨壤幼苗萌芽及生长的影响

为探讨白骨壤(Avicennia marina)幼苗对重金属镉(Cd)和多环芳烃萘(Nap)复合胁迫的响应,采用砂基栽培,对其幼苗的萌芽和生长进行了研究。结果表明,Cd、Nap复合胁迫对白骨壤萌芽的抑制效应较单一胁迫明显,胁迫前期幼苗成活率提高,胁迫后期则降低。胁迫栽培45 d,10 mg L~(–1)的Nap在叶形态、茎高及各器官生物量上能够减轻Cd胁迫的影响,但增强对根长的抑制作用,10 mg L~(–1) Nap-25 mg L~(–1) Cd处理的叶面积、叶长、叶宽、茎高及全株生物量分别比25 mg L~(–1) Cd处理的提高9.6%、7.9%、7.4%、5.1%和20.2%,但根长则比150 mg L~(–1) Cd处理的下降11.1%。至胁迫栽培90 d,各处理间幼苗器官及全株生物量无显著影响,复合胁迫对叶形态、茎高和根长等的抑制作用要强于单一Cd胁迫。因此,随着复合胁迫时间的延长,Cd和Nap对白骨壤幼苗的生长由拮抗效应转变为协同效应。     

Cadmium absorption and transportation pathways in plants

Controlling the uptake, transport, translocation, and accumulation of excessive amounts of cadmium from polluted environments is critical for plants and, consequently, humans with regard to food safety. Plants adopt various cellular and molecular mechanisms to minimize Cd toxicity. Upon exposure to Cd, plants initially implement avoidance strategies, such as production of organic acids, chelation, and sequestration, to prevent metal access to root cells. Nevertheless, Cd can be transported through the roots, stems, and leaves via apoplastic and symplastic pathways. These processes have been controlled by specific sites at the root surface and root cortex, in cells responsible for loading the root xylem, at the transition between the vascular systems of the root and the shoot, and in connecting tissues and cells at the stem. Although resistance to heavy metal cadmium can be achieved by either avoidance or tolerance, genetic basis to tolerance is therefore implied, in that these mechanisms are heritable attributes of tolerant mutants or genotypes.     

Organic matter influences phytotoxicity of cadmium to soybeans

Summary Soybeans (Glycine max L. var. Williams) were grown for six weeks in a greenhouse in quartz sand containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 or 8% (w/w) sterilized peat moss. The cation exchange capacities of the organic matter-sand (OM-S) mixtures ranged from 0.01 to 8.88 meq/100 g dry weight. Imposed on each OM-S mixture was a treatment of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 or 20.0 ppm Cd applied as CdCl₂·21/2H₂O. Height growth was measured weekly and at harvest plants were separated into leaves, stems and roots for dry weight and tissue Cd determinations. For plants grown in sand alone, height growth and dry matter accumulation in all tissues were reduced and Cd content was increased. These effects were correlated with increasing Cd concentration in the rooting medium. Inhibitions in growth by Cd were reduced by addition of organic matter; the amount of alleviation was dependent on both the level of organic matter and the cadmium treatment. In the 0, 0.5 and 1% OM-S mixtures, Cd content in the various tissues was correlated with metal treatment. Tissue levels were markedly reduced for Cd treatments in the 2, 4 and 8% OM-S mixtures, although there was a positive correlation between tissue Cd and the 1.25 and 2.5 Cd treatments. The order of Cd accumulation in the tissues was roots stems>leaves.     

Cd、Zn及其交互作用对互花米草中重金属的积累、亚细胞分布及化学形态的影响

通过盆栽试验,研究了Cd、Zn及其交互作用下互花米草中Cd、Zn的含量及积累量,并分析了Cd、Zn在互花米草中的亚细胞分布及化学形态。结果表明：Cd-Zn处理组互花米草地上部及根部Cd含量显著高于Cd处理组;Cd-Zn处理组根部Zn含量显著低于Zn处理组,但地上部差异不显著,说明Zn促进Cd的吸收,Cd抑制Zn的吸收。Cd-Zn处理组互花米草地上部Cd积累量显著高于Cd处理组,但是根部Cd积累量却显著低于Cd处理组;Zn处理组地上部及根部Zn积累量均显著高于对照组及Cd-Zn处理组。Cd单因素胁迫下,Cd主要分布在细胞壁,Cd-Zn交互作用下,Cd在胞液中的分配比例高于其他细胞组分;Zn单因素及Cd-Zn交互作用下,Zn在胞液中的分配比例均较高,总的分配比例呈现以下趋势：胞液>细胞壁>细胞器,说明Zn的添加影响了Cd的亚细胞分布,Cd的出现对Zn在互花米草细胞中的分布影响不明显。Cd和Zn在互花米草叶中主要以氯化钠提取态存在,表明互花米草中Cd和Zn多以果胶酸盐结合态或蛋白质结合态存在。     

Silicon deposition in roots minimizes the cadmium accumulation and oxidative stress in leaves of cowpea plants

Silicon (Si) frequently accumulates in plants tissues, mainly in roots of dicotyledons, such as cowpea. By contrast, Cadmium (Cd) is a metal that is extremely toxic to plant metabolism. This research aims to investigate if the deposition of Si in root can reduce Cd contents and minimize its negative effects on leaves, measuring gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant metabolism, photosynthetic pigments and growth, which may explain the possible role of Si in the attenuation of Cd toxicity in cowpea. This study had a factorial design, with all factors completely randomized and two Cd concentrations (0 and 500 µM Cd, termed as – Cd and + Cd, respectively) and three Si concentrations (0, 1.25 and 2.50 mM Si). Si reduced Cd contents in the roots and in other plant organs, such as stems and leaves. The Si contents were highest in roots, followed by stems and leaves, which was explained by the passive absorption of Si. The application of Si promoted increase in both the macro- and micronutrient contents in all tissues, suggesting that Si mitigates the effect of Cd on nutrient uptake. Si attenuated Cd-mediated effects on light absorption of photosystem II (PSII), increasing the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and the electron transport rate. Additionally, toxic effects induced by Cd on gas exchange were mitigated by the action of Si. Plants treated with Cd + Si showed increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reductions in oxidant compounds; these modifications were promoted by Si via detoxification mechanisms. Increases in the photosynthetic pigments and growth of plants treated with Si and exposed to Cd stress were detected and were due to the reduced deterioration of cell membranes and maintenance of chloroplasts, which had positive repercussions on growth and development. This study validated the hypothesis that the accumulation of Si in roots induces benefits on metabolism and alleviates the toxic effects caused by Cd in leaves of cowpea.     

基于广泛靶向代谢组学分析黑老虎不同部位成分差异

为提高黑老虎(Kadsura coccinea)资源的综合利用率，采用广泛靶向代谢组学技术鉴定并分析了根、茎、叶代谢组分差异及高度富集成分。结果表明，在根、茎和叶中分别鉴定出642、650和619个代谢物，以酚酸、脂质、类黄酮和有机酸为主；叶与根、茎与根的共有成分分别为566和650个，显著差异成分有442和393个，主要为酚酸、类黄酮和脂质，差异代谢物在苯丙烷生物合成、黄酮与黄酮醇生物合成通路中显著富集。代谢物总丰度和次生代谢物丰度均表现为叶>根>茎，叶中酚酸、类黄酮和脂质及茎中酚酸积累量显著高于根，而氨基酸及其衍生物、萜类、木脂素、香豆素、生物碱的丰度在根中显著上调。因此，黑老虎根、茎、叶有大量共有成分，叶和茎中酚酸、叶中类黄酮和脂质高度富集，含有新绿原酸、绿原酸、槲皮素等多个丰度较高且具有重要生物活性化合物，具有较高利用价值。     

Distribution,Fraction, and Ecological Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediment-Plant System in Mangrove Forest,South China Sea

Overlying water, sediment, rhizosphere sediment and mangrove seedlings in the Futian mangrove forest were analyzed for heavy metals. The results showed that mangrove plant acidified sediment and increased organic matter contents. Except for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) in Aegiceras corniculatum sediment, heavy metals in all sediments were higher than in overlying water, rhizosphere sediment and mangrove root. Heavy metals in Avicennia marina sediments were higher than other sediments. The lower heavy metal biological concentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) indicated that mangrove plant adopted exclusion strategy. The geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index and risk assessment code (RAC) demonstrated that heavy metals have posed a considerable ecological risk, especially for cadmium (Cd). Heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu and Cd) mainly existed in the reducible fractions. These findings provide actual heavy metal accumulations in sediment-plant ecosystems in mangrove forest, being important in designing the long-term management and conservation policies for managers of mangrove forest.     

Impact of cadmium and zinc on growth and water status of Zygophyllum fabago in two contrasting metallicolous populations from SE Spain: comparison at whole plant and tissue level

Cadmium and zinc accumulation and toxicity were assessed in whole plants and callus culture of two Zygophyllum fabago populations originating from two metallicolous sites in Murcia (southeast Spain), La Peña and Mazarrón, the first containing 2.8‐times more Cd and five‐times more Zn than the second. Seedlings from both ecotypes were exposed for 3 weeks to 1 or 10 μm Cd, and to 10 or 100 μm Zn in nutrient solution in a controlled environment. Calli from both ecotypes were exposed to 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mm Cd, and to 0.1, 1 or 5 mm Zn. Plants from both populations exhibited similar tolerance to Zn, while tolerance to Cd appeared more important in plants from La Peña than those from Mazarrón. Only minor differences were recorded in final Cd accumulation, with higher Cd retention in roots and stems of plants from La Peña. In both populations, transient decreases in the rate of Zn intake and translocation from root to shoot were recorded. This reduction in ion uptake was not more efficient for the population from the most contaminated area compared to the less contaminated area. Similar concentrations of Cd were found in cotyledon‐derived calli from the two populations, but absorbed Cd induced conspicuous water stress in calli issues from Mazarrón but not in those from La Peña. It is concluded that, beside comparable levels of heavy metal concentration in tissues, the physiological strategy of tolerance may differ according to the metal and according to the considered population.     

Cadmium stress in wheat seedlings: growth,cadmium accumulation and photosynthesis

Seedlings of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Jing 411, Jinmai 30 and Yangmai 10 were exposed to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 μM of CdCl₂ in a solution culture experiment. The effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on wheat growth, leaf photon energy conversion, gas exchange, and Cd accumulation in wheat seedlings were investigated. Gas exchange was monitored at 3, 9, 24 days after treatment (DAT). Growth parameters, chlorophyll content, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and Cd concentration in shoot and root were measured at 24 DAT. Seedling growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were generally depressed by Cd stress, especially under the high Cd concentrations. Cd concentration and accumulation in both shoots and roots increased with increasing external Cd concentrations. Relationships between corrected parameters of growth, photosynthesis and fluorescence and corrected Cd concentrations in shoots and roots could be explained by the regression model Y = K/(1 + exp(a + bX)). Jing 411 was found to be Cd tolerant considering parameters of chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in which less Cd translocation was from roots into shoots. The high Cd concentrations were in shoots and roots in Yangmai 10 which has been found to be a relative Cd tolerant cultivar in terms of most growth parameters.     

Morphological and anatomical variations ofCajanus cajan (Linn.) huth raised in cadmium-rich soil

Different concentrations of cadmium in the growing media affected morphological parameters ofCajanus cajan. Over time, the amount of increase in shoot and root lengths, number of branches and leaves per plant, single and total leaf areas, and dry mass of leaves, was significantly lower for treated plants compared with controls. The root-shoot length ratio, which varied little over time, was relatively low for the treated plants. Although dry mass of both stems and roots increased, the rates were considerably low under Cd stress. The root-shoot dry mass ratio in the controls was highest during flowering and lowest in the post-flowering stage, but continually declined over time for the stressed plants. Compared with the controls, treated plants had fewer pods, with the number decreasing as the Cd concentration increased. Cd content was greater in roots than in stems or leaves, and leaves had greater amounts than did stems at higher doses. For all plants, the width and density of vessel elements and the length of fibers in the wood of stems and roots increased with plant age. However, the rate of increase was generally lower in the treated plants, the difference being more pronounced with higher doses of Cd. This indicated a reduced ascent of sap and, hence, less available water for tissues in treated plants.     

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.

     

A multivariate analysis of health risk assessment,phytoremediation potential,and biochemical attributes of Spinacia oleracea exposed to cadmium in the presence of organic amendments under hydroponic conditions

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation potential and its accumulation in edible and nonedible plant tissues is the function of various biochemical processes taking place inside plants. This study assessed the impact of organic ligands on Cd phyto uptake and different biophysiochemical processes of Spinacia oleracea L., and associated health hazards. Plants were exposed to Cd alone and chelated with citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Results revealed that the effect of Cd on lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ production and pigment contents varied greatly with its applied level and the type of organic ligand. Moreover, the effect was more prominent in root tissues than leaf tissues and for high concentrations of Cd and organic ligands. Cadmium accumulation increased by 90 and 74% in roots and leaves, respectively, with increasing Cd levels (25–100?µM). Cadmium exposure at high levels caused lipid peroxidation in roots only. Application of both CA and EDTA slightly diminished Cd toxicity with respect to pigment contents, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents. Hazard quotient (HQ) of Cd was <1.00 for all the treatments. Under nonlinear effect of treatments, multivariate analysis can be an effective tool to trace overall effects/trends.     

Seasonal occurrence and diel locomotor activity in littoral Cladocera in a mesohumic lake in Norway

The community structure and standing crop biomass of a mangrove forest in Futian Nature Reserve, Shenzhen, the People's Republic of China was studied. This mangrove, located towards the northern latitudinal limit of the mangrove development (22°N), had relatively simple structure and low diversity (the Shannon-Wiener index was 0.78). The three dominant species, namely Aegiceras corniculatum, Kandelia candel and Avicennia marina, possess importance values of 72, 19 and 9%, respectively. The average height of the mangrove community was 4.5 m with no vertical stratification. The values of tree density of A. corniculatum and A. marina were found to be 5290 and 260 ha^–1, respectively. The biomass of both A. corniculatum and K. candel was best estimated from regression equations using a combination of height and diameter at breast height as the independent variables. For Avicennia marina, there was no simple correlation between biomass and height or diameter. The regression models suggested by previous workers did not give satisfactory estimation of biomass of A. marina in this mangrove forest. The total biomass of this mangrove forest was 12.1 kg m^–2, with 73% of such production contributed by A. corniculatum and 8% by A. marina. Because of its small percentage, the inaccuracy in estimating biomass of A. marina did not affect the overall determination of biomass of the whole community. Average above-ground biomass was 8.7 kg m^–2 (72% of the total biomass) and the major components were aerial woody tissues, stems and branches. The root:shoot ratio of this plant community was 0.4:1.