Heavy metal-hormone interactions in rice plants: Effects on growth,net photosynthesis,and carbohydrate distribution

The effect of external applications of gibberellins (GA₃) and abscisic acid (ABA) on the growth, carbohydrate content, and net photosynthesis of heavy metal-stressed rice plants (Oryza sativa cv. Bahía) was investigated. Treatment with cadmium (0.1 mm) and nickel (0.5 mm) inhibited rice growth and stimulated carbohydrate accumulation, especially in seeds from which seedlings were developing, stems, and first leaves. The addition of GA₃ (14 m) to the rice culture solution together with Cd or Ni partially reversed the effects of heavy metals, stimulating growth as well as mobilization of carbohydrate reserves in seeds from which seedlings had developed. GA₃ increased the sugar content in roots and second and third leaves and also modified the carbohydrate distribution pattern compared with heavy metal-treated plants. In contrast to GA₃, ABA (19 m) supplied to rice cultures potentiated the effect of heavy metals, inhibiting the growth of young leaves and the translocation of storage products from source to sink organs. In addition, sugars were accumulated in roots and second leaf but not in the third leaf, the extension in length of which was also inhibited by the treatment. Net photosynthesis rates recovered transitorily in Cd-treated plants after the addition of hormones. The possible relationship between growth and carbohydrate distribution, as well as the involvement of hormones, in the response of plant to heavy metal stress is discussed.Abbreviations 5DT 5 days after treatment - 10DT 10 days after treatment - ABA abscisic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid - TMC total metabolizable carbohydrates     

云南山楂茎尖的离体培养及其无性系快速繁殖

用云南山楂(Crataegus scabrifolia(Franch.)Rehd.)成年树茎尖和实生芽两种不同发育阶段的材料为外殖体,诱导它们休眠芽萌动,丛生芽条并诱导芽条生根。实验结果如下:1.以成年态的云南山楂侧芽为外植体,培养在附加IAA 0.1—0.5mg/l+6-BA 1-2mg/l的MS培养基上可诱导芽的萌发;将芽继代培养在附加0.5—1mg/l 6-BA的SH或MS培养基上,40天后芽数增殖4—6倍;将芽条截下置于1/2MS培养基上,附加不同浓度的IAA或IBA,可得到50—80％的生根率。2.以实生芽为外殖体,在相同条件下,则20天后芽数增殖便可获4—6倍;98％以上生根。结果表明:云南山楂的幼年态要比成年态易脱分化和再分化。     

脯氨酸对不结球白菜（Brassica chinensis）镉积累的影响

采用溶液培养的方法,研究了过量Cd对不结球白菜（Brassica chinensis）幼苗内源脯氨酸含量的影响及外源脯氨酸在不结球白菜Cd积累中的作用。100μmol？L-1 Cd处理明显增加不结球白菜叶片脯氨酸（Pro）的含量,并且随着Cd胁迫时间的延长,其含量也显著上升。100μmol？L-1 Cd处理明显降低脯氨酸脱氢酶（PDH）活性,而增加δ1-吡咯啉-5-羧酸合成酶（P5CS）的活性。1~5 mmol？L-1外源Pro处理显著降低不结球白菜幼苗地上部Cd含量,对根系Cd含量无显著影响,但外源Pro处理并不能缓解过量Cd对不结球白菜幼苗生物量的抑制作用。外源Pro处理下,不结球白菜叶片中Pro含量与其地上部干重呈显著的负相关关系。     

镉诱导植物的自由基过氧化损伤

紫羊茅(Festuca rubra L.)有对重金属敏感(“S59”)和忍耐(“Merlin”)两个品种。以0～2.5mmol/LCd~(2 )的营养液分别培养“S59”和“Merlin”幼苗,随着Cd~(2 )浓度增加和处理时间延长,幼苗生长量相应下降。0.25mml/L Cd~(2 )对“S59”的生长抑制与0.5mmol/L Cd~(2 )对“Merlin”的抑制相似,表明“Merlin”比“S59”更能耐受Cd~(2 )的毒害。在Cd~(2 )抑制生长的同时,幼苗的MDA(丙二醛,膜脂过氧化产物)和POD(过氧化物酶)活性急剧上升,CAT(过氧化氢酶)和SOD活性降低,蛋白质含量明显下降。MDA大幅度上升是Cd~(2 )培养幼苗突出的生理变化之一,2.5mmol/L Cd~(2 )培养幼苗6d,“Merlin”的MDA为对照的209％,而“S59”为对照的243％。MDA的积累与培养幼苗的Cd~(2 )浓度成密切正相关,与幼苗的生长量呈负相关。当SOD活性平稳或略为上升时,MDA稳定;SOD活性开始下降,MDA便急剧上升。很可能自由基和MDA在Cd~(2 )毒害植物中充当了重要的角色。     

Organ-distinctive changes in respiration rates of rice plants under nickel stress

Nickel (Ni) is an essential mineral element that may accumulate to toxic levels in soils due to anthropogenic activities. The growth of rice plants cultured hydroponically was severely impaired when Ni concentration was raised from 0.1 to 0.5 mM. However, the decrease in plant growth was not accompanied by any significant effect on respiration rates at the whole plant level. Short-term treatments of excised roots with 0.1–1.0 mM Ni did not result in any significant changes in respiration. However, long-term treatments of whole plants induced clear distinctive effects on shoots and roots. There was a significant decline in growth of these organs when the plants were cultured for 10 days at 0.5 mM Ni. Although no significant changes in respiration occurred in shoots, it was drastically reduced in roots. Ni withdrawal after 5 days’ treatment caused an increase in respiration in roots, but a decrease in shoots, despite the fact that stress alleviation induced a similar and significant increase in fresh weight of both organs. Our results point to organ-related differences in the distribution of the energy resulting from respiration under Ni stress.     

The role of root damage in the chelate-enhanced accumulation of lead by Indian mustard plants

In the present study, increasing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) concentration from 0 to 0.5 mmol L(-1) resulted in progressive increases in root elongation and in shoot and root dry matter (DM) of Indian mustard seedlings (Brassica juncea. L.) exposed at 0.5 mmol L(-1) of lead (Pb). The highest concentration of Pb in the shoots of Indian mustard reached 1140 mg kg(-1) dry weight (DW) in the treatment with 0.5 mmol L(-1) of Pb + 0.25 mmol L(-1) of EDTA. A significantly positive correlation was found between the concentrations of Pb and EDTA in the shoots of mustard. Roots were pretreated with an MC (methanol:trichloromethane) solution, 0.1 mol L(-1) of HCl, and 65 degrees C hot water. The plants were then exposed to 0.5 mmol L(-1) of Pb + 3 mmol L(-1) of EDTA in solution for 2 d. The pretreatments with MC, HCl, and hot water all increased the concentration of Pb in shoots by 14-, 7-, and 15-fold, respectively, compared with the shoots that had not been pretreated. Therefore, some physiological damage to roots would be useful to enhance the uptake of metal by plants and to minimize the application of doses of chelates in the practical operation of chelate-assisted phytoremediation.     

Effects of elevated nickel and cadmium concentrations on growth and nutrient uptake of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris seedlings

The effects of Ni and Cd on growth and nutrient uptake of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings were investigated in a pot experiment. Seedlings were either inoculated with Laccaria bicolor (Maire) Orton or left uninoculated before being planted in pots containing a mixture of sandy soil from the B-horizon of a coniferous forest, small stones and pure quartz sand. The pots were supplied with small amounts of a balanced nutrient solution every 24 h using peristaltic pumps. Nickel or Cd were added as chlorides to the nutrient solution at levels of 85 M Ni (Ni 1), 170 M Ni (Ni 2), or 8.9 M Cd. Mycorrhizal colonisation of the roots was nearly 100% in the mycorrhizal treatments. The mycorrhizal seedlings grew significantly better than the non-mycorrhizal ones. The weight of mycorrhizal seedlings in the Ni 2 treatment was 29% lower than that of the mycorrhizal controls, but still 34% greater than that of the non-mycorrhizal seedlings not exposed to metals. There was an overall, statistically significant, negative effect of metals on plant yield. Mycorrhizal plants had lower root:shoot (R:S) ratios than non-mycorrhizal plants and the R:S ratio was increased by metal exposure, particularly in the non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Plant concentrations of Cd or Ni were not affected by mycorrhizal colonisation, but total uptake of Cd and Ni was higher in bigger mycorrhizal seedlings. Nickel decreased P concentration in all seedlings and Cd decreased P concentration in the non-mycorrhizal seedlings. Generally, the mycorrhizal seedlings grew better than non-mycorrhizal ones and had better P, K, Mg and S status. Root growth was not significantly affected by the metal treatments. The reduction in mean shoot growth of non-mycorrhizal plants, relative to the metal-free control, appeared higher than in mycorrhizal plants but was not statistically significant due to high variation in the non-mycorrhizal plants not exposed to metals. The main mycorrhizal effect was thus increased nutrient uptake and growth of the seedlings.     

Cadmium and nickel accumulation in rice plants. Effects on mineral nutrition and possible interactions of abscisic and gibberellic acids

Rice plants accumulate high quantities of Cd and Ni when grown for 10 days in a medium containing these heavy metals. Accompanying Cd and Ni uptake, a decrease in shoot and root length was observed, though dry matter accumulation was not affected accordingly. Metal treatments also induced a decrease in K, Ca and Mg contents in the plants, particularly in the shoots, indicating that Cd and Ni interfered not only with nutrient uptake but also with nutrient distribution into the different plant parts. Addition of abscisic acid (ABA) or gibberellic acid (GA₃) to the external solution could not overcome the depressing effects of the metals on nutrient acquisition, and even induced a further decrease of Ca content in Ni-treated plants. Both hormones also reduced, significantly, heavy metal incorporation into the plants. Additionally, hormonal applications affected the transport of Cd and Ni to the shoots, resulting in a higher percentage of the metals taken up remaining in the roots.     

Tissue partitioning of cadmium in transgenic tobacco seedlings and field grown plants expressing the mouse metallothionein I gene

Since agricultural crops contribute >70% of human cadmium (Cd) intake, modification of crops to reduce accumulation of this pollutant metal during plant growth is desirable. Here we describe Cd accumulation characteristics of seedlings and field grown tobacco plants expressing the Cd-chelating protein, mouse metallothionein I. The objective of the transformation is to entrap Cd in roots as Cd-metallothionein and thereby reduce its accumulation in the shoot. Transformed and control seedlings were exposed for 15 days in liquid culture at a field soil-solution-like Cd concentration of 0.02 μm. Transformed seedlings ofNicotiana tabacum cultivar KY 14 contained about 24% lower Cd concentration in shoots and about 5% higher Cd concentration in roots than control seedlings. Dry weights of transformed and control tissues did not differ significantly. In the field in 1990, mature transformedN. tabacum cv. KY 14 plants exposed only to endogenous soil Cd contained about 14% lower leaf lamina Cd concentration than did controls. Differences were significant at thep≤0.1 level in 13 of 16 leaf positions. Leaf dry weight did not differ significantly but transformed field plants had 12% fewer leaves and were 9% shorter than the controls. Copper (Cu) concentration was significantly higher (ca10%) in the bottom nine leaf positions of transformed plants suggesting that reduced leaf number and plant height may be due to Cu deficiency or toxicity. Alternatively, somaclonal variation or gene position effects may be involved. No differences were found in zinc levels. WithN. tabacum cv. Petit Havana, transformed seedlings contained no less Cd in shoots but 48% higher Cd concentration in roots. However, dry weights of shoots and roots of transformed seedlings were 25% and 26%, respectively, greater than in controls. In the field, transformed and control plants of this cultivar showed little significant differences in leaf Cd content, plant height or leaf number. Although comparison of additional metallothionein-expressing tobaccos and other plants is needed, results obtained with cultivar KY 14 support the hypothesis that sequestration of Cd in roots as Cd-metallothionein may have potential for reducing Cd content of above root tissues of certain plants.     

Role of iron plaque in Cd uptake by and translocation within rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings grown in solution culture

A hydroponics culture experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of iron plaque on Cd uptake by and translocation within rice seedlings grown under controlled growth chamber conditions. Rice seedlings were pre-cultivated for 43 days and then transferred to nutrient solution containing six levels of Fe (0, 10, 30, 50, 80 and 100 mg L⁻¹) for 6 days to induce different amounts of iron plaque on the root surfaces. Seedlings were then exposed to solution containing three levels of Cd (0, 0.1 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹) for 4 days. In order to differentiate the uptake capability of Cd by roots with or without iron plaque, root tips (white root part without iron plaque) and middle root parts (with iron plaque) of pre-cultivated seedlings treated with 0, 30 and 50 mg L⁻¹ Fe were exposed to ¹⁰⁹Cd for 24 h. Reddish iron plaque gradually became visible on the surface of rice roots but the visual symptoms of the iron plaque on the roots differed among treatments. In general, the reddish color of the iron plaque became darker with increasing Fe supply, and the iron plaque was more homogeneously distributed all along the roots. The Fe concentrations increased significantly with increasing Fe supply regardless of Cd additions. The Cd concentrations in dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate (DCB)-extracts and in shoots and roots were significantly affected by Cd and Fe supply in the nutrient solution. The Cd concentrations increased significantly with increasing Cd supply in the solution and were undetectable when no Cd was added. The Cd concentrations in DCB-extracts with Fe supplied tended to be higher than that at Fe₀ at Cd_0.1, and at Cd_1.0, DCB-Cd with Fe supplied was significantly lower. Cd concentrations in roots and shoots decreased with increasing Fe supply at both Cd additions. The proportion of Cd in DCB-extracts was significantly lower than in roots or shoots. Compared to the control seedlings without Fe supply, the radioactivity of ¹⁰⁹Cd in shoots of seedlings treated with Fe decreased when root tips were exposed to ¹⁰⁹Cd and did not change significantly when middle parts of roots were exposed. Our results suggest that root tissue rather than iron plaque on the root surface is a barrier to Cd uptake and translocation within rice plants, and the uptake and translocation of Cd appear to be related to Fe nutritional levels in the plants.     

KCl和NaCl处理对盐生植物碱蓬幼苗生长和水分代谢的影响

研究了用不同浓度KCl和等浓度NaCl处理的盐生植物碱蓬幼苗水分代谢的变化.结果表明,NaCl处理显著促进碱蓬生长,根吸水增加,含水量高于对照.而相同浓度KCl处理却严重抑制碱蓬生长,含水量显著下降,400 mmol/L的 KCl处理后6 d,地上部分发生萎蔫,尔后死亡.KCl处理伤害碱蓬的原因之一是抑制根系吸水,而对蒸腾速率无显著影响,即水分吸收速率与蒸腾速率比值下降,植株缺水引起伤害.     

Possible roles of phytochelatins and glutathione metabolism in cadmium tolerance in chickpea roots

The possible roles of phytochelatin (PC) and glutathione (GSH) in the heavy metal detoxification in plants were examined using two varieties (CSG-8962 and C-235) of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The seedlings were grown for 5 days and the roots were treated with 0–20 μM CdSO₄ for 3 days. The CSG-8962 seedlings exhibited more Cd-tolerant characteristics than did the C-235, where the roots, rather than shoots, suffered from more toxic effects by Cd. Both the seedlings synthesized the large amounts of PCs and homo-phytochelatins (hPCs) in roots, but only a little in shoots in response to Cd. The Cd treatments also caused a marked increase in the levels of GSH and cysteine in both the root and shoot tissues, suggesting that Cd may activate the GSH biosynthesis and, hence, enhance PC synthesis in the plants. Such a Cd-sensitive PC synthesis in chickpea plants does not explain the difference in Cd sensitivity in the varieties, but can be used as a biochemical indicator for Cd contamination in various environments. In the chickpea plants, possible PC-dependent and independent mechanisms for Cd tolerance are discussed. Electronic Publication     

Distribution and phytotoxicity of cadmium in tomato seedlings

Thirty-day-old seedlings of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Kwangsoo) were treated with various cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 500 μM) for up to 20 days, and the detailed distribution of absorbed Cd and its phytotoxicity in different plant parts (root, stem, and leaves) were investigated. The accumulation of Cd in plants increased with external Cd concentrations and Cd was strongly retained by roots, with less than 30% of the absorbed Cd being transported to shoots. Among the leaves, the lower positioned older leaves accumulated more Cd than the younger leaves. Furthermore, Cd-exposure not only reduced the dry weight and length of both shoot and root, chlorophyll levels in leaves, and levels of photosynthesis, but also enhanced the concentration of malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation product) in all plant parts. Our results indicate that the physiological impairment of tomato seedlings exposed to toxic levels of Cd may be related to the internal distribution of absorbed Cd, prolonged exposure, and oxidative stress in different plant parts.     

Integrated Fertilization Regimes Boost Heavy Metals Accumulation and Biomass of <i>Sedum alfredii</i> Hance

The hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance (S. alfredii) may be employed for zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd)-polluted soil remediation. However, the low phytoremediation efficiency, related to the low biomass production, limits its use with that purpose. In this experiment, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers, and organic manure were applied to investigate the phytoremediation ability of S. alfredii. Hydroponic and pot experiments were conducted using Zn-Cd polluted soil. The hydroponic experiment indicated that appropriate fertilizer application could increase (p < 0.05) the amount of accumulated Zn and Cd in S. alfredii. When N supply ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 mmol L⁻¹, it could improve growth and accumulation of Zn and Cd in whole plants of S. alfredii. The 1 mmol L^-1 N was an optimal N dosage for shoot biomass production and Cd accumulation in shoots, while the 2.5 mmol L^-1 was an optimal N dosage for Zn accumulation in shoots. Both low (<0.05 mmol L^-1) and high (>0.8 mmol L^-1) P supply decreased growth, and Zn/Cd accumulation in whole plants of the studied species. The 0.1 mmol L^-1 P was an optimal dosage for S. alfredii biomass production and Zn/Cd accumulation in shoots. The supply levels within the range from 0.3 to 1 mmol L^-1 K could significantly improve the biomass production of S. alfredii and its capability to accumulate Zn and Cd in the biomass. The 0.5 mmol L^-1 K was an optimal dosage for the whole biomass production and Zn accumulation in shoots, while the 1 mmol L^-1 was an optimal K dosage for Zn accumulation in shoots, which was 17.2% higher than the control. Moreover, the soil pot experiment showed that the combination of organic (fermented manure) and inorganic fertilizers made significant effects on the Zn and Cd-polluted soil remediation by S. alfredii. These effects varied, however, with the application of different proportions of N, P, K and organic matter. The Zn accumulation by S. alfredii reached the highest efficiency ability under the highest fertilizer mixing rate (N: 50 mg kg^-1, P: 40 mg kg^-1, K: 100 mg kg^-1, organic matter: 1%). Even more, S. alfredii showed the strongest ability to accumulate Cd with a lower fertilizer mixing rate (N: 25mg kg^-1, P: 20mg kg^-1, K: 50 mg kg^-1, organic matter: 0.5%).

     

Production of low-molecular weight thiols as a response to cadmium uptake by tumbleweed (Salsola kali).

Tumbleweed (Salsola kali) is a desert plant species that has shown to be a potential Cd hyperaccumulator. In this study, the production of low-molecular weight thiols (LMWT) as a response to cadmium stress was determined in hydroponically grown seedlings exposed to 0, 45, 89, and 178 microM Cd(2+). The treatment of 89 microM Cd(2+) was tested alone and supplemented with an equimolar concentration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to determine the effect of this chelating agent on Cd uptake and thiols production. After 6 days of growth, the Cd concentration in plant tissues was determined by using inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy (ICP/OES). Results indicated that Cd uptake by plants was concentration-dependent. Plants treated with 178 microM Cd(2+), had 10+/-0.62, 9.7+/-1.4, and 4.3+/-0.83 mmol Cd kg(-1) dry tissue in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. The production of thiols was dependent on Cd concentration in tissues. According to the stoichiometry performed, plants treated with Cd concentrations up to 178 muM produced 0.131+/-0.02, and 0.087+/-0.012 mmol SH per mmol Cd present in roots and stems. In leaves, the production of thiols decreased at the highest Cd concentration tested. Thus, up to 89 microM Cd in the media, 0.528+/-0.004 mmol SH per mmol Cd in leaf tissues were produced. EDTA equimolar to Cd reduced both Cd uptake and thiols production. Catalase activity (CAT) (EC 1.11.1.6) was significantly depressed at the lowest Cd concentration. None of the conditions tested affected biomass or plant elongation.     

Micropropagation of Terminalia arjuna Roxb. from cotyledonary nodes

Cotyledonary node explants excised from 21 day old seedlings of T. arjuna produced multiple shoots when cultured on full strength MS or modified MS (1/2 strength major salts and Fe-EDTA) medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.1-1.0 mg/l) of BAP. Maximum 8.9 shoots/explant could be recorded after 30 days of inoculation on modified MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.5 mg/l). A proliferating shoot culture was established by reculturing the original cotyledonary nodes (2-3 times) on shoot multiplication medium after each harvest of the newly formed shoots. Shoots (each having 2-3 nodes/shoot) thus obtained were also used as a source of nodal explant that gave rise to 1-2 shoots when cultured on modified MS+BAP (0.5 mg/l) medium. Thus, 45-55 shoots could be obtained after 60 days of culture initiation from a single cotyledonary node. About 88% shoots rooted well after 15 hr pulse treatment with IBA (1 mg/l) in liquid MS medium followed by transfer to modified MS medium without IBA. About 80% of these plantlets were successfully acclimatized in plastic pots containing sand and soil mixture and 70% plantlets transferred in the field those survived even after 6 months of transplantation.     

Efficient plant regeneration from cotyledon explants of bottle gourd (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lagenaria siceraria</Emphasis> Standl.)

Using cotyledon explants excised from seedlings germinated in vitro, an efficient plant regeneration system via organogenesis was established for bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Standl.). Maximum shoot regeneration was obtained when the proximal parts of cotyledons from 4-day-old seedlings were cultured on MS medium with 3 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l AgNO₃ under a 16-h photoperiod. After 3–4 weeks of culture, 21.9–80.7% of explants from the five cultivars regenerated shoots. Adventitious shoots were successfully rooted on a half-strength MS medium with 0.1 mg/l IAA for 2–3 weeks. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that most of the regenerated plants derived from culture on medium with AgNO₃ were diploid.     

盐角草在Cd、Pb、Li污染盐土修复中的应用潜力

滩涂和内陆盐碱地是重要的后备土地资源。近年来镉(Cd)、铅(Pb)等土壤重金属和锂(Li)污染对盐碱地开发利用和生产安全造成严重威胁。利用盐生植物修复污染盐土是最经济有效的方法。本研究以盐生植物盐角草SalicorniaeuropaeaL.为材料,采用盆栽方式,通过比较分析盐角草在不同浓度Cd(0-50mmol/L)、Pb(0-50 mmol/L)和Li(0-400 mmol/L)处理下的生长和生理生化指标及离子含量的变化,研究盐角草对3种金属污染物胁迫的耐性及积累特性,以期探讨盐角草在Cd、Pb、Li污染盐土修复中的应用潜力。结果显示,随着Cd、Pb处理浓度升高,盐角草的株高、鲜重和干重均显著下降。低浓度Li(≤20 mmol/L)处理促进盐角草的生长,而高浓度Li(≥20mmol/L)处理则抑制植物生长。盐角草对Cd、Pb、Li的耐受性顺序为Li>Pb>Cd。Cd、Pb、Li胁迫可能降低了盐角草对Na和K的吸收与转运而影响植株的生长。另一方面,盐角草抗氧化酶系统对Cd、Pb、Li胁迫表现出不同的响应机理,多种抗氧化物酶协同作用,抵制Cd、Pb、Li胁迫造成的氧化毒害。盐角草根和地上部分Cd、Pb、Li含量随着处理浓度的升高而增加,其中Cd和Pb的分布特征为根>地上部分,Li的分布特征为地上部分>根。研究结果表明盐角草对Cd、Pb、Li的胁迫均具有较强的耐受性与自我调节能力,且具有富锂特性,具备修复Cd、Pb、Li污染盐土的潜力。本研究为深入研究盐角草耐受Cd、Pb、Li胁迫的机制奠定了基础,揭示了利用盐角草修复高盐碱土壤中Cd、Pb、Li污染的应用潜力。     

Alteration of thiol pools in roots and shoots of maize seedlings exposed to cadmium : adaptation and developmental cost

Roots of intact 5-day-old maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were exposed to 3 micromolar Cd during a 7-day period. Cysteine, γ-glutamylcysteine, glutathione (GSH), and Cd-induced acid-soluble thiols (ASTs), including phytochelatins, were quantified in roots and shoots. Adaptation to Cd and its cost to seedling development were evaluated by measuring Cd content, tissue fresh weight, and rate of root elongation. Roots contained 60 to 67% of the Cd in the seedlings between 4 and 7 days of exposure. Exposure to Cd decreased the fresh weight gain in roots from day 4 onward without affecting the shoots. Between days 1.5 and 3.5 of Cd treatment, roots elongated more slowly than controls; however, their growth rate recovered thereafter and exceeded that of controls. Exposure to Cd did not appreciably affect the concentration of cysteine in the seedlings. However, the initial low concentration of γ-glutamylcysteine increased (after a lag of 6 hours in roots and 2 days in shoots), reaching a plateau by day 6 at 28.5 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight in roots and by day 5 at 19.1 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight in shoots. During the first 9 hours of Cd exposure, the concentration of GSH in roots decreased dramatically (at 31.6 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight per hour) and thereafter decreased more slowly than in controls. The depletion of GSH in the roots (366 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight) matched the synthesis of ASTs (349 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight) during the first 48 hours. The concentration of ASTs in roots increased steadily thereafter to reach 662.2 nanomoles per gram of fresh weight by 6 days of Cd exposure. In shoots, Cd had little influence on the concentration of GSH, but ASTs still accumulated to 173.3 nanomoles per gram fresh weight after 5 days. The molar ratio of thiols in ASTs to Cd increased to a maximum of 10.24 in roots after 4 hours and of 4.25 in shoots after 2 days of Cd exposure. After 4 days, the ratio reached a plateau of approximately 2 in roots and between 2 and 3 in shoots, as if a steady state of Cd chelation had been achieved in both organs. The plateau coincided with recovered root elongation or an adaptation to Cd. The reduced fresh weight gain of the roots during this time, however, indicated that the synthesis of Cd-induced thiols was at a cost to root development.     

Effects of Auxin at Different Concentrations on the Growth,Root Morphology and Cadmium Uptake of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)

Indoleacetic acid (IAA) is an important regulator that plays a crucial role in plant growth and responses to abiotic stresses. In the present study, a sand cultivation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of IAA at different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 2.5 mmol/L) on maize growth, root morphology, mineral elements (Ca, Mg) and Cd uptake under 20 mg/kg Cd stress. The results showed that 0.01 mmol/L is the optimal IAA concentration for enhancing the Cd tolerance of maize. Compared with the control treatment, 0.01 mmol/L IAA promoted maize growth, with significant increases in the height, shoot and root biomass by 34.6%, 25.0% and 16.3%; altered the root morphology, with increases in root length, root tip number, and root tip density by 8.9%, 31.4% and 20.7%, respectively; and enhanced the mineral element uptake of maize, resulting in signifi- cant increases in the Ca content in shoots and roots by 640.6% and 1036.4% and in the Mg content in shoots by 205.8%, respectively. In addition, 0.01 mmol/L IAA decreased the Cd content and uptake in the shoots by 51.9% and 39.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the Cd content and uptake exhibited a significant negative correlation with Ca content in roots and a significantly positive correlation with root morphology, and the Cd content in shoots was significantly and negatively correlated with root tip number. Thus, 0.01 mmol/L IAA was effective in enhancing the Cd tolerance and plant growth of maize.