The effect of endophytic Peyronellaea from heavy metal-contaminated and uncontaminated sites on maize growth,heavy metal absorption and accumulation

Heavy metal (HM) tolerance, effects on maize growth, heavy metal absorption and accumulation by endophytic Peyronellaea from HM-contaminated and uncontaminated sites were studied to evaluate the hypothesis that endophytes from HM-contaminated sites would enhance HM-tolerance in hosts. Although we found that certain endophytes improved tolerance of plants to heavy metals, isolates from the HM-contaminated site were not more tolerant to heavy metals than those from the uncontaminated site. Pot experiments indicated that growth and heavy metal absorption and accumulation by host plants in HM-polluted environments could be affected by inoculation with HM-tolerant endophytic fungi, and isolates showed a high intraspecific variability. However, there was no significant difference in growth between the maize inoculated with the endophytes from the HM-contaminated site and uncontaminated site under lead stress. Similarly, the HM content in the shoots and roots of maize inoculated with the isolates from the HM-contaminated site was not always higher than that in maize inoculated with endophytes from the uncontaminated site. Therefore, based on our experiments it is suggested that HM-tolerance due to endophytes and their effects on host plant growth and heavy metal absorption and accumulation were not correlated with origin of the endophytes.     

Differential effect of metals/metalloids on the growth and element uptake of mesquite plants obtained from plants grown at a copper mine tailing and commercial seeds

The selection of appropriate seeds is essential for the success of phytoremediation/restoration projects. In this research, the growth and elements uptake by the offspring of mesquite plants (Prosopis sp.) grown in a copper mine tailing (site seeds, SS) and plants derived from vendor seeds (VS) was investigated. Plants were grown in a modified Hoagland solution containing a mixture of Cu, Mo, Zn, As(III) and Cr(VI) at 0, 1, 5 and 10 mg L⁻¹ each. After one week, plants were harvested and the concentration of elements was determined by using ICP-OES. At 1 mg L⁻¹, plants originated from SS grew faster and longer than control plants (0 mg L⁻¹); whereas plants grown from VS had opposite response. At 5 mg L⁻¹, 50% of the plants grown from VS did not survive, while plants grown from SS had no toxicity effects on growth. Finally, plants grown from VS did not survive at 10 mg L⁻¹ treatment, whilst 50% of the plants grown from SS survived. The ICP-OES data demonstrated that at 1 mg L⁻¹ the concentration of all elements in SS plants was significantly higher compared to control plants and VS plants. While at 5 mg L⁻¹, the shoots of SS plants had significantly more Cu, Mo, As, and Cr. The results suggest that SS could be a better source of plants intended to be used for phytoremediation of soil impacted with Cu, Mo, Zn, As and Cr.     

Arsenic, antimony, and bismuth uptake and accumulation by plants in an old antimony mine, China

Arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi) are metalloids that share similar chemical properties, the objective of this study was to characterize the uptake and accumulation of these metalloids by plants colonized on heavy contaminated sites in an old Sb mine. Sixty-five plant samples from seven species as well as the associated soil samples were collected at ten sites of Xikuangshan (XKS), Hunan province, China. Concentrations of As, Sb, and Bi in plants and soils were measured. As, Sb, and Bi were found to be evidently elevated due to the long history and intensive mining and smelting activities; the respective ranges for the levels of As, Sb, and Bi at the sites were 40.02-400.2?mg?kg(-1) As, 610-54,221?mg?kg(-1) Sb, and n.d. to 1,672?mg?kg(-1) Bi. No correlation was found between As and Sb at the sites, while Bi was found to be positively correlated with As whereas negative with Sb at the sites. In general, the contents in the plants in XKS were in the order of As?>?Sb?>?Bi, and the contents of As was positively correlated with Sb and Bi in plants. The highest contents of As and Sb recorded was 607.8?mg?kg(-1) As in Pteris vittata and 90.98?mg?kg(-1) Sb in Hippochcaete ramosissima, while the highest Bi content as 2.877?mg?kg(-1) Bi was measured in Buddleja davidii. Bioconcentration factors defined as the ratios of metalloids in shoots of plants to those in soils for various plants were lower than 1. The results showed plants colonized at the heavy contaminated sites in XKS had great tolerance to As, Sb, and Bi, and demonstrated similarities in plant uptake and accumulation of these three elements.     

增铵营养对小麦氮及矿质营养含量和积累的影响

1　引　　言增铵营养 (ＥＡＮ)即混合形态Ｎ营养 ,是相对于单一ＮＯ-3 营养而提出的旱地作物Ｎ营养的新方法 .旱地作物在ＮＯ-3 营养下生长优于ＮＨ+ 4 营养[6] ,但在增铵营养下小麦等旱地作物的干物质积累和产量显著高于两种单一形态Ｎ营养[1～ 3 ,5,7] .同时 ,我们的研究表明 ,增铵营养对小麦生长的促进效应具有明显的基因型差异[3 ] ,但其生理基础尚不明确 .由于植株对两种形态Ｎ的吸收和积累也影响对其它无机离子的吸收 ,因此 ,在增铵营养下 ,不同小麦基因型对Ｎ及Ｐ、Ｋ、Ｃａ、Ｍｇ等营养元素的吸收和积累也会存在差异 ,可能影响小麦…     

铜、镉对三种豆科植物生长及氮磷钾含量的影响

为了解豆科植物在Cu、Cd单一污染土壤中的生长状况及对土壤养分的吸收利用特点,采用盆栽实验研究了Cu~(2+)、Cd~(2+)单一污染下紫花苜蓿、红三叶、沙打旺3种豆科植物的株高、根长、生物量和叶、茎部N、P、K、Cu和Cd含量的变化情况.Cu~(2+)、Cd~(2+)处理浓度分别为:0、400、800、1200 mg·kg~(-1)和0、1、10、20 mg·kg~(-1).结果表明,3种豆科植物对Cu和Cd均有较强的吸收能力,除红三叶叶片中Cu含量外,3种豆科植物根、茎、叶中Cd和Cu的含量均与土壤中重金属添加量呈显著正相关.3种豆科植物在严重Cd~(2+)污染的土壤中均能正常生长.在Cu~(2+)添加量≤1200 mg·kg~(-1)时,红三叶能正常生长,而紫花苜蓿的生长则受到显著抑制作用,沙打旺在Cu~(2+)添加量≥800 mg·kg~(-1)时生长受到抑制.土壤Cu~(2+)添加量≤1200 mg·kg~(-1)时,能促进紫花苜蓿对N、P、K的吸收;Cu~(2+)添加量≤800 mg·kg~(-1)时,对红三叶N、P、K含量没有明显影响;Cu~(2+)添加量≤400 mg·kg~(-1)时,可提高沙打旺中N、P、K含量,但当Cu~(2+)添加量≥800 mg·kg~(-1)时则显著降低.土壤Cd~(2+)添加量≤20 mg·kg~(-1)时,对紫花苜蓿和红三叶茎叶以及沙打旺茎部的N、P、K含量有促进作用,但对沙打旺叶片的N、P、K含量起抑制作用.总体来看,3种豆科植物对Cu~(2+)和Cd~(2+)均有一定的耐性,红三叶对Cu~(2+)的耐性较好,紫花苜蓿对Cd~(2+)的耐性较好.

Abstract：

Aimed to understand the growth status and nutrient uptake of leguminous plants under soil copper-or cadmium contamination, a pot experiment with Medicago sativa, Trifolium pre-tense, and Astragalus adsurgens was conducted, with their plant height, root length, plant bio-mass, and N, P, K, Cu and Cd contents in leaf and stem measured. The application amounts of Cu~(2+) and Cd~(2+) were 0,400, 800, and 1200 mg·kg~(-1), and 0, 1, 10, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), re-spectively. All the test three leguminous plants had strong capability of absorbing Cu and Cd.The Cu and Cd contents in their roots, stems, and leaves, except the Cu content in T. Pratease leaf, were significantly positively correlated with the application amounts of Cu~(2+) and Cd~(2+). Un-der the application of Cd~(2+), all the three leguminous plants grew normally. When the application amount of Cu~(2+) was≤1200 mg·kgM-1, T. Pratense grew normally, while the growth of M. Sativa was significantly inhibited. The growth of A. Adsurgens was inhibited when the application amount of Cu~(2+) was≥800 mg·kg~(-1). An apphcation amount of≤1200 mg·kg~(-1) of Cu~(2+) pro-moted the N, P and K absorption of M. Sativa, but applying≤800 mg·kg~(-1) of Cu~(2+) had little effects on the N, P and K absorption of T. Pretense. The N, P and K contents of A. Adsurgens in-creased when the application amount of Cu~(2+) was ≤400 mg·kg~(-1), but decreased significantly when the Cu~(2+) application amount was≥800 mg·kg~(-1). When the application amount of Cd~(2+)was≤20 mg·kg~(-1) , the N, P and K contents in M. Sativa and T. Pratense stems and leaves and in A. Adsurgens stem increased, while those in A. Adsurgens leaf decreased. As a whole, the three leguminous plants all had certain tolerance to Cu~(2+) and Cd~(2+) stresses, especially T. Prat-ease to Cu~(2+) and M. Sativa to Cd~(2+).     

Effects of far-red light on the growth,mycorrhizas and mineral nutrition of Scots pine seedlings

The effects of supplementary far-red sidelight on the formation of mycorrhizas and on the accumulation and allocation of dry weight and mineral nutrients were studied in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings. Starting one week after germination the seedlings were subjected to two different light quality regimes: control and simulated sparse-canopy conditions (FR+). In the FR+ regime, light reflected by neighbouring plants was simulated by means of supplementary far-red light sources, which reduced the horizontal red/far-red photon ratio (R:FR) without affecting PAR. Seedlings were harvested after three months of treatment. FR+ increased stem height and decreased the total dry weight of seedlings. Dry weight allocation to needles was not affected, whereas dry weight allocation to roots was reduced and that to stems was increased in FR+ treated seedlings. The total number of short root tips and developing mycorrhizas per seedling were lower in FR+ than in control plants. Most short roots were developing mycorrhizas, while non-mycorrhizal short roots and mycorrhizas with mantle or external mycelium were very scarce. Changes in the allocation of nutrients in general followed the changes in dry weight allocation, and changes in nutrient content followed those in total dry weight. However, mismatches among these changes resulted in significant changes in nutrient concentrations in some organs: the concentrations of nitrogen and potassium in needles and the concentration of nitrogen in stems were higher in FR+ than in control seedlings. Changes in biomass and nutrient allocation under low R:FR may promote rapid height growth during early development in stands of Scots pine seedlings, but concomitant reductions in growth of the root system and mycorrhizas may negatively affect tree performance over the long term.     

Leguminosae native nodulating bacteria from a gold mine As-contaminated soil: Multi-resistance to trace elements,and possible role in plant growth and mineral nutrition

Efficient N₂-fixing Leguminosae nodulating bacteria resistant to As may facilitate plant growth on As-contaminated sites. In order to identify bacteria holding these features, 24 strains were isolated from nodules of the trap species Crotalaria spectabilis (12) and Stizolobium aterrimum (12) growing on an As-contaminated gold mine site. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that most of the strains belonged to the group of α-Proteobacteria, being representatives of the genera Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Inquilinus, Labrys, Bosea, Starkeya, and Methylobacterium. Strains of the first four genera showed symbiotic efficiency with their original host, and demonstrated in vitro specific plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits (production of organic acids, indole-3-acetic-acid and siderophores, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, and Ca₃(PO₄)₂ solubilization), and increased resistance to As, Zn, and Cd. In addition, these strains and some type and reference rhizobia strains exhibited a wide resistance spectrum to β-lactam antibiotics. Both intrinsic PGP abilities and multi-element resistance of rhizobia are promising for exploiting the symbiosis with different legume plants on trace-element-contaminated soils.     

Effects of humic substances derived from organic waste enhancement on the growth and mineral nutrition of maize

A physico-chemical process has been developed to transform and enhance lignocellulosic waste in liquid humic extracts: humic-like substances (HLS). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HLS on plant physiology in order to consider their agricultural use as organic fertilizers. The effects of HLS were evaluated on maize seed germination, and their impact on growth, development and mineral nutrition was studied on maize plants cultivated under hydroponic conditions. The experimental results showed that HLS do not increase the percentage and rate of germination but enhance the root elongation of seeds thus treated. Positive effects were also observed on the whole plant growth as well as on root, shoot and leaf biomass. These effects can be related to the high water and mineral consumption of plants undergoing this treatment. The high water efficiency indicated that such plants produce more biomass than non-treated plants for the same consumption of the nutrient solution. Furthermore, the use of HLS induced a flowering precocity and modified root development suggesting a possible interaction of HLS with developmental processes. Considering the beneficial effect of HLS on different stages of plant growth, their use may present various scientific and economic advantages. The physico-chemical transformation of sawdust is an interesting way of enhancing organic waste materials.     

Effect of shade on the growth and mineral nutrition of a C4 perennial grass under field conditions

The effect of shading by a shrub legume on the growth and nutrient uptake of a C4 tropical grass was studied during four regrowth cycles. Regrowth periods were characterised by contrasting soil water availability. Dichanthium aristatum (Poir.) C. E. Hubbard swards were grown in full sun and under Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp. and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit with a light transmission level ranging from 80 to 30% of the incoming photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), depending on shrub regrowth. A treatment with high N and water supply was included in one of the cycles to quantify the effect of shade alone on potential growth.Aboveground biomass (DM) and leaf area index (LAI) of swards were not depressed by the reduction of incoming PAR. The reduction in transmitted PAR by shrubs was compensated by an increase in the radiation use efficiency (RUE) of shaded swards. Higher RUE of unfertilised, shaded stands may be explained by higher levels of N availability in the soil. This is supported by the analysis of curves relating sward N accumulation to sward DM accumulation. In fact, for similar measured biomass the accummulated N was higher in shaded stands, a consequence of their higher N concentrations. This allowed shaded leaves to improve their CO2 assimilation rates on a leaf area basis. Higher RUE reported on shaded stands may be the consequence of higher leaf CO2 assimilation rates and also possible changes in the shoot:root ratio. As with N, the amount of K taken up by the sward was higher under shade, whereas P data were higher under shade only during the driest cycle. A positive water balance, alone or in combination with high N fertilisation, eliminated the improvement of the N nutrition of shaded stands. Thus, the positive effects of shade may be only observed when N and water are limiting sward growth in the open.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and copper on growth, accumulation of osmolyte, mineral nutrition and antioxidant enzyme activity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inoculation on pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Zhongjiao 105) plant growth and on some physiological parameters in response to increasing soil Cu concentrations was studied. Treatments consisted of inoculation or not with Glomus mosseae and the addition of Cu to soil at the concentrations of 0 (control), 2 (low), 4 (medium), and 8 (high) mM CuSO₄. AM fungal inoculation decreased Cu concentrations in plant organs and promoted biomass yields as well as the contents of chlorophyll, soluble sugar, total protein, and the concentrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg. Plants grown in high Cu concentration exhibited a Cu-induced proline accumulation and also an increase in total free amino acid contents; however, both were lower in mycorrhizal pepper. Cu-induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation rates and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and AM symbiosis enhanced these antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased oxidative damage to lipids. In conclusion G. mosseae was able to maintain an efficient symbiosis with pepper plants in contaminated Cu soils, improving plant growth under these conditions, which is likely to be due to reduced Cu accumulation in plant tissues, reduced oxidative stress and damage to lipids, or enhanced antioxidant capacity.     

Effects of lanthanum and cerium on the growth and mineral nutrition of corn and mungbean

Background and Aims: Plant growth responses to the rare earth elements lanthanum(La) and cerium (Ce) have been reported, but little is knownabout the effects of these two elements on plant mineral nutrition. Methods: Corn (Zea mays ‘Hycorn 82’) and mungbean (Vignaradiata ‘Berken’) were grown in continuous flowingnutrient solutions containing 0, 0·2, 1·0 and5·0 µM La or Ce. At harvest plants were dividedinto roots and shoots, dried, weighed and analysed for macro-and micronutrients, as well as for La and Ce. Key Results: La and Ce did not increase the growth of corn or mungbean. Thedry weight of corn shoots was decreased by 32 % in the presenceof 5·0 µM Ce; the other La and Ce concentrationshad no effect. La and Ce concentrations of 0·9 and 5·0µM decreased the shoot dry weight of mungbean by 75 or95 %, the two elements having closely similar effects. Decreasesin the uptake of Ca, Na, Zn and Mn by corn were observed withincreases in solution La and Ce. For mungbean, the uptake ratesof all measured elements decreased with increases in solutionLa and Ce. The concentrations of La and Ce in the roots of bothspecies were higher than in the shoots and increased stronglywith increasing concentrations of La or Ce in solution. TheLa and Ce concentrations in mungbean shoots were always higherthan in corn shoots. Conclusions: La and Ce did not enhance the growth of corn or mungbean, butdecreased the growth, root function and consequently the nutritionalstatus of mungbean at concentrations >0·2 µMin solution. It is concluded that if La or Ce have positiveeffects on corn and mungbean growth, they can only occur atsolution concentrations below 0·2 µM.     

Cadmium effects on growth and mineral nutrition of two halophytes: Sesuvium portulacastrum and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Growth, cadmium accumulation and potassium and calcium status were studied in two halophytes from Aizoaceae family: Sesuvium portulacastrum and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. After multiplication, the seedlings were cultivated on nutrient solution supplemented with NaCl (100mM) and CdCl2 (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 microM). After 1 month of treatment, plants were harvested and the dry weight, as well as the Cd, K and Ca concentrations in tissues were determined. Results showed that S. portulacastrum, a perennial halophyte with slow growth, is significantly more tolerant to Cd than M. crystallinum, an annual plant. Cd severely inhibited Mesembryanthemum growth even at the lowest Cd concentration in culture medium (50 microM), and did not modify significantly that of Sesuvium. For both halophytes, Cd accumulation was significantly higher in the roots than in the shoots. However, Cd concentration reached 350-700 microg g(-1) DM in the shoots, values characteristic of Cd hyperaccumulator plants. The addition of Cd in the culture medium led to a disturbance of Ca and especially K nutrition, suggesting the possibility to improve plant growth and Cd phytoextraction of both halophytes by increasing nutrient availability in the culture medium.     

Arsenic uptake and accumulation in fern species growing at arsenic-contaminated sites of southern China: field surveys

Aiming at searching for new arsenic (As) hyperaccumulators, field surveys were conducted at 12 As-contaminated sites located in Guangxi and Guangdong Provinces of southern China. Samples of 24 fern species belonging to 16 genera and 11 families as well as their associated soils were collected and As concentrations in plant and soil samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results show that among 24 fern species, Pteris multifida and P. oshimensis can (hyper)accumulate As in their fronds with high concentrations in addition to P. vittata and P. cretica var. nervosa, which have been previously identified as As hyperaccumulators. Total As concentrations in soils associated with P. multifida and P. oshimensis varied from 1262 to 47,235 mg kg(-1), but the DTPA-extractable As concentrations were relatively low, with a maximum of 65 mg kg(-1). Forty-four of 49 samples of P. multifida collected from five sites and 3 of 13 samples of P. oshimensis collected from one site accumulated over 1000 mg As kg(-1) in their fronds and As concentrations in the fronds were higher than those in the petioles and rhizoids. Although As concentrations in the fronds of P. oshimensis (789 mg kg(-1) averaged, range 301-2142 mg kg(-1)) were comparatively lower than those of P. multifida (1977 mg kg9-1), 624-4056 mg kg(-1)), its high aboveground biomass makes it more suitable for phytoremediating As-contaminated soils. Among all the species in Pteris genus studied, Pteris semipinnata accumulated only very low As concentration in its fronds (8 mg kg(-1), 1-18 mg kg(-1)). Further research is needed to study the differences in As uptake and accumulation among fern species in the same or other genera.     

Genetic variation in asexual populations of two aphids in the genus Acyrthosiphon, from an Australian lucerne field

Twelve lines of Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) were sampled from a small lucerne field in Australia and tested to assess genetic variation by measuring their responses to three lucerne cultivars. Seven or eight life history traits were assessed for each species. Differences in the responses of these traits to the cultivars revealed that three to seven genetically distinct clones were represented in the samples of 12 lines for each species. We conclude that the populations of these two aphids are variable in Australia, although they were recently introduced and reproduce asexually. The responses of the aphids to the three cultivars are described. Because of genetic variation in host plant responses of the aphids, cultivars with potential aphid resistance must be exposed to a large number of clones to confirm the presence of useful aphid resistance.

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Résumé Douze lignées d'Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji et d'A. pisum Harris ont été échantillonnées dans un petit champ de luzerne australien et leur variabilité génétique examinée en comparant les réponses à 3 cultivars de luzerne. De 7 à 8 caractères biologiques avaient été retenus pour chaque espèce. Les différences observées entre les réponses suivant la distribution de ces caractères chez les pucerons, ont montré que 3 à 7 clones génétiquement distincts étaient représentés dans les 12 lignées de chaque espèce. Nous en concluons que les populations de ces deux espèces de pucerons sont polymorphes en Australie, quoiqu'elles se multiplient d'une façon asexuée et aient été récemment introduites. Les réactions des pucerons aux 3 cultivars sont indiquées. Par suite de la variabilité génétique des réactions des plantes hôtes aux pucerons, des cultivars à résistance potentielle élevée devraient être exposés à un grand nombre de clones de pucerons pour confirmer la présence d'une résistance utilisable.

     

Effect of an artificially induced drought on leaf peroxidase activity, mineral nutrition and growth of sugar maple

The effect of an artificially induced drought was investigated in an 80-year-old sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) stand in southern Quebec. We hypothesized that leaf peroxidase activity would increase, and that leaf nutrient deficiencies typical of declining trees (K, Mg) would develop during the year following the imposition of the drought. An impermeable tarpaulin was placed on the ground at the base of the trees during the summer of 1991. Foliage and soils were sampled periodically during the summers of 1991 and 1992. The treated trees showed decreased leaf water potential and increased peroxidase activity over most of the 1991 growing season. Diameter growth was significantly reduced in 1992. Soil NO ₃ ^- and K⁺ were elevated while Mn²⁺ was reduced under the tarpaulin treatment at various times during the 1991 growing season. Soil NO ₃ ^- , NH ₄ ⁺ , K⁺ and Mg²⁺ were elevated in the treated plots at various times during the 1992 growing season even though there was a lack of effect on foliar nutrient concentrations over the same period. Drought conditions may have reduced water and nutrient uptake without significantly affecting leaf nutrient status.     

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.     

Effects of silicon nutrition on cadmium uptake, growth and photosynthesis of rice plants exposed to low-level cadmium

The effect of silicon (Si) nutrition on low-level cadmium (Cd) toxicity symptoms was investigated in hydroponically-grown rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.). Silicon (0.0, 0.2, or 0.6 mM) was added when seedlings were 6 or 20 days old representing early (Si^E) or late (Si^L) Si treatment, respectively. Cadmium (0.0 or 2.5 μM) was added when seedlings were 6 days old. Measurements included generation of CO₂ and light response curves; chlorophyll fluorescence analysis; growth; and tissue-element content analysis. Our results showed that low-level Cd treatment generally inhibited growth and photosynthesis. However, the addition of 0.2 or 0.6 mM Si^E or Si^L significantly reduced root- and leaf-Cd content. Consequently, the addition of 0.6 mM Si^L significantly alleviated low-level Cd-induced inhibition of growth. Furthermore, 0.2 mM Si treatment significantly reduced g _s compared to 0.0 or 0.6 mM Si without inhibiting A, especially in +Cd plants, suggesting an increase in instantaneous water-use-efficiency (IWUE). Additionally, in +Cd plants, the addition of 0.6 mM Si^E significantly reduced F _o but increased F _v/F _m, while treatment with 0.2 mM Si^L significantly increased q_P, suggesting an increase in light-use-efficiency. We thus, propose that 0.6 mM Si^L treatment is required for the alleviation of low-level Cd-mediated growth inhibition. Furthermore, we suggest that 0.2 mM Si concentration might be close to the optimum requirement for maximum Si-induced increase in IWUE in rice plants, especially when under low-level Cd-stress. Our results also suggest that Si alleviates low-level Cd toxicity by improving light-use-efficiency.     

铜尾矿对5种豆科植物种子萌发和幼苗生长影响的初步研究

通过水培实验和土培实验,研究了铜陵铜尾矿对5种豆科植物种子萌发和幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,五种豆科植物种子在尾矿浸提液中均能萌发,但萌发率比对照组低,而且浸提液对种子萌发产生一定的阻滞作用,酸化尾矿浸提液对种子萌发初期的吸胀吸水有促进作用。尾矿与土壤5种不同改良方式的基质试验也发现铜尾矿对种子萌发着阻滞作用,其中大豆、赤豆、赤小豆在70d内未发现死苗现象。