Leaf chlorosis in oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus) grown on cadmium-polluted soil: causes and consequences for photosynthesis and growth

Silicon mediated heavy metal stress amelioration in fruit crops

Fruit crops are essential for human nutrition and health, yet high level of heavy metal levels in soils can degrade fruit quality. These metals accumulate in plant roots and tissues due to factors like excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, poor waste management, and unscientific agricultural practices. Such accumulation can adversely affect plant growth, physiology, and yield. Consuming fruits contaminated with toxic metals poses significant health risks, including nervous system disorders and cancer. Various strategies, such as organic manuring, biomaterials, and modified cultivation practices have been widely researched to reduce heavy metal accumulation. Recently, silicon (Si) application has emerged as a promising and cost-effective solution for addressing biological and environmental challenges in food crops. Si, which can be applied to the soil, through foliar application or a combination of both, helps reduce toxic metal concentrations in soil and plants. Despite its potential, there is currently no comprehensive review that details Si's role in mitigating heavy metal stress in fruit crops. This review aims to explore the potential of Si in reducing heavy metal-induced damage in fruit crops while enhancing growth by alleviating heavy metal toxicity.

IAA is more effective than EDTA in enhancing phytoremediation potential for cadmium and copper contaminated soils

Enhanced phytoremediation offers a rapid and eco-friendly approach for cleaning agricultural soil contaminated with copper and cadmium which pose a direct threat to food scarcity and security. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two commonly used additives, IAA and EDTA, for the remediation of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils using sunflower and maize. The plants were cultivated in pots under controlled conditions with four sets of treatments: control (0), Cu50/Cd50, Cu50/Cd50 + EDTA, and Cu50/Cd50 + IAA. The results showed that Cu50/Cd50 mg/kg drastically compromised the phytoremediation potential of both plants, as evident by reduced shoot and root length, and lower biomass. However, the augmentation of Cu50/Cd50 with EDTA or IAA improved the tested parameters. In sunflower, EDTA enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 58% and 21%, respectively, and improved plant biomass by 41%, compared to control treatment. However, IAA exhibited higher accumulation of Cu and Cd by 64% and 25%, respectively, and enhanced plant biomass by 43%. In case of maize, IAA was superior to EDTA which enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 87% and 32% respectively, and increased the plant biomass by 57%, compared to control treatment. Our findings demonstrate that foliar IAA is more effective than EDTA in enhancing the phytoremediation potential of sunflower and maize for Cu and Cd.

Foliar spraying of zinc oxide nanoparticles improves water transport and nitrogen metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings mitigating the negative impacts of cadmium

The use of bio-nanotechnology in agriculture-such as the biological applications of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-greatly improves crop yield and quality under different abiotic stress factors including soil metal contamination. Here, we explore the effectiveness of zinc oxide (ZnO)-NPs (0, 50 mg/L) foliar spraying to ameliorate the detrimental effects of cadmium (Cd) on the water transport and nitrogen metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv. Chibli F1) plants grown on a Cd-supplied (CdCl2; 0, 10, 40 μM) Hoagland nutrient solution. The results depicted that the individually studied factors (ZnO-NPs and Cd) had a significant impact on all the physiological parameters analyzed. Independently to the Cd concentration, ZnO-NPs-sprayed plants showed significantly higher dry weight (DW) in both leaves and roots compared to the non-sprayed ones, which was in consonance with higher and lower levels of Zn2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively, in these organs. Interestingly, ZnO-NPs spraying improved water status in all Cd-treated plants as evidenced by the increase in root hydraulic conductance (L0), apoplastic water pathway percentage, and leaf and root relative water content (RWC), compared to the non-sprayed plants. This improved water balance was associated with a significant accumulation of osmoprotectant osmolytes, such as proline and soluble sugars in the plant organs, reducing electrolyte leakage (EL), and osmotic potential (ψπ). Also, ZnO-NPs spraying significantly improved NO3- and NH4+ assimilation in the leaf and root tissues of all Cd-treated plants, leading to a reduction in NH4+ toxicity. Our findings point out new insights into how ZnO-NPs affect water transport and nitrogen metabolism in Cd-stressed plants and support their use to improve crop resilience against Cd-contaminated soils.

Microanatomical Changes in the Leaves of Arundo donax (L.) Caused by Potentially Toxic Elements from Municipal Sewage Sediment

An open-field 3-year-long microplot experiment was set up with three micropropagated lines (SC Blossom, BFT Indiana, and STM Hajdúsági) of giant reed (Arundo donax L.). Plants were grown on a soil cover of a former sewage settling pond located in Debrecen Lovász-Zug, Hungary. Soil cover of the sewage sediment was moderately contaminated with various toxic elements (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The highest total concentration of examined toxic elements in leaves was found in the BFT Indiana line (∑326 mg/kg), while in the SC Blossom and STM Hajdúsági lines, ∑210 mg/kg and ∑182 mg/kg were measured, respectively. The highest Zn concentration (117 mg/kg) was found in the leaves of in BFT Indiana line and was 67% higher than that in SC Blossom and 95% more than in the STM Hajdúsági line. The BFT Indiana leaves showed typical signs of adaptation to heavy metal stress in the case of numerous micromorphometric characteristics. The extent of leaf mesophylls decreased, and the number of bulliform cells and phytoliths, as well as the sclerenchymatous stock, increased. The size of the vascular bundles was reduced. The size of the stomata decreased while the stomatal density increased. It can be concluded that the BFT Indiana line had the best adaptational response to heavy metal stress.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Hyperaccumulator Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. Responses to Cadmium Stress

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that causes serious damage to plant and human health. Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. has a large amount of aboveground biomass and a rapid growth rate, and it has been identified as a novel type of Cd hyperaccumulator that can be harnessed for phytoremediation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of P. acinosa to Cd2+ stress remain largely unclear. In this study, the phenotype, biochemical, and physiological traits of P. acinosa seeds and seedlings were analyzed under different concentrations of Cd2+ treatments. The results showed higher Cd2+ tolerance of P. acinosa compared to common plants. Meanwhile, the Cd2+ content in shoots reached 449 mg/kg under 10 mg/L Cd2+ treatment, which was obviously higher than the threshold for Cd hyperaccumulators. To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the adaptability of P. acinosa to Cd stress, RNA-Seq was used to examine transcriptional responses of P. acinosa to Cd stress. Transcriptome analysis found that 61 genes encoding TFs, 48 cell wall-related genes, 35 secondary metabolism-related genes, 133 membrane proteins and ion transporters, and 96 defense system-related genes were differentially expressed under Cd2+ stress, indicating that a series of genes were involved in Cd2+ stress, forming a complex signaling regulatory mechanism. These results provide new scientific evidence for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of P. acinosa response to Cd2+ stress and new clues for the molecular breeding of heavy metal phytoremediation.

Enhanced Cd phytoextraction by rapeseed under future climate as a consequence of higher sensitivity of HMA genes and better photosynthetic performance

This study aimed to investigate the underlying physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms responsible for Brassica napu's potential to remediate Cd-contaminated soil under current (CC) vs. future (FC) climate (400 vs. 800 ppm of CO2, 21/14 °C vs. 25/18 °C). B. napus exhibited good tolerance to low Cd treatments (Cd-1, Cd-10, i.e., 1, 10 mg kg-1) under both climates without visible phytotoxicity symptoms. TI sharply decreased by 47 % and 68 % (p < 0.05), respectively, in Cd-50 and Cd-100 treated shoots under CC, but to a lesser extent (-26 % and -53 %, p < 0.05) under FC. This agreed with increased photosynthetic apparatus performance under FC, primarily due to a significant decrease in the closure of active PSII RCs ((dV/dt)o, TRo/RC) and less dissipated excitation energy (DIo/RC, φDo). Calvin Benson cycle-related enzyme activity also improved under FC with 2.2-fold and 2.4-fold (p < 0.05) increases in Rubisco and TPI under Cd-50 and Cd-100, respectively. Consequentially, a 2.2-fold and 2.3-fold (p < 0.05) boosted Pr resulted in a 2.3-fold and 2.4-fold (p < 0.05) increase in the DW of Cd-50 and Cd-100 treated shoots, respectively. This also led to a decrease (26 %, p < 0.05) in shoot Cd concentration under both high Cd treatments with a slight reduction in BCF. Translocation factor (TF) decreased (on average 42 %, p < 0.05) by high Cd treatments under both climates. However, under Cd-100, FC increased TF by 1.7-fold (p < 0.05) compared to CC, which could be explained by significant increases in the expression of HMA genes, especially BnaHMA4a and BnaHMA4c. Finally, Cd TU increased under FC by 65 % and 76 % (p < 0.05) under Cd-50 and Cd-100. This led to a shorter hypothetical remediation time for reaching the Cd pollution limit by 35 (p > 0.05) and 61 (p < 0.05) years, respectively, compared to CC.

Se Ameliorates Cd Toxicity in Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) Seedlings by Inhibiting Cd Transporter Genes and Maintaining root Plasma Membrane Integrity

Se (Selenium) has been reported to be an important protective agent to decreases Cd (Cadmium) induced toxic in plants. However, it remains unclear how Se mitigates the uptake of Cd and increased the resistance to Cd toxicity. Hydroponic experiments were arranged to investigate the changes of physiological properties, root cell membrane integrity and Cd-related transporter genes in rape seedlings. Comparison of the biomass between the addition of Se and the absence of Se under Cd exposure showed that the Cd-induced growth inhibition of rape seedlings was alleviated by Se. Cd decreased the photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs) and photosynthetic pigment content including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid. However, all these parameters were all significantly improved by Se addition. Moreover, exposure to Se resulted in a decrease in Cd concentration in both shoot and root, ranging from 4.28 to 27.2%. Notably, the application of Se at a concentration of 1 µmol L- 1 exhibited the best performance. Furthermore, Se enhanced cell membrane integrity and reduced superoxide anion levels, thereby contributing to the alleviation of cadmium toxicity in plants. More critically, Se decreased the expression levels of root Cd-related transporter genes BnIRT1, BnHMA2 and BnHMA4 under Cd stress, which are responsible for Cd transport and translocation. These results are important to increase crop growth and reduce Cd load in the food chain from metal toxicity management and agronomical point of view.

The use of selenium for protective and stimulating effects on plants when soil is contaminated with cadmium

At the present time one of the tasks of modern agricultural industry consists in obtaining the ecologically safe and clean products. Contamination of soils with heavy metals due to an anthropogenic impact drives up their content in the composition of plant products. This shapes not only a reduction in crop yields, but also a deterioration in products quality. Within the terms of vegetation research in soil culture, there has been studied the protective and stimulating effect of sodium selenite upon the adaptive capacity of spring wheat plants of the variety Zlata under conditions of oxidative stress due to the soil contamination with cadmium. There has been studied the effect of different methods of sodium selenite application on the yield of spring wheat and the plants photosynthetic activity, depending on the level of soil contamination with cadmium. The object of research was a spring wheat variety Zlata. Plants have been cultivated in a greenhouse trial under soil culture conditions in Mitscherlich-vessels with a capacity of 6 kg of soil. Sod-podzolic soil has been used for research. Sodium selenite was introduced in three ways: pre-sowing seed treatment, foliar treatment of vegetative plants at the beginning of stage VI of organogenesis - the end of the tillering phase - the beginning of the stem-extension phase and the application of a salt solution into the soil when packing the vessels. The control samples represented variants without sodium selenite. To assess the plants photosynthetic productivity, there has been determined the chlorophyll content in plant leaves. The research results made it possible to determine the protective effect of sodium selenite on the adaptive capacity of plants under conditions of oxidative stress due to the soil contamination with cadmium. The increase in the adaptive capacity of plants manifested itself through the decrease in yield diminishing due to the improvement of conditions for fertile florets and ear initiations on the vegetative apex, as well as the development of flowers into grains, which contributed to increase in the grain content of the spike. The stimulating effect of selenium on the intensity of photosynthetic processes has been revealed, which showed not only the increase of chlorophylls content, but also the ratio changes of chlorophylls a and b.

Hyperspectral technique combined with stacking and blending ensemble learning method for detection of cadmium content in oilseed rape leaves

BACKGROUND

Oilseed rape, as one of the most important oil crops, is an important source of vegetable oil and protein for mankind. As a non-essential element for plant growth, heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is easily absorbed by plants. Cd will inhibit the photosynthesis of plants, destroy the cell structure, slow the growth of plants, and affect their development and yield. It is necessary to develop a method based on visible near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology to quickly and nondestructively determine the Cd content in rape leaves.

RESULTS

Two-layer estimation models were established by combining visible-NIR HSI with ensemble learning methods (stacking and blending). One layer used support vector regression, extreme learning machine, decision tree, and random forest (RF) as basic learners, and the other layer used support vector regression or RF as a meta learner. Different models were used to analyze the spectra of rape treated with five Cd concentrations to obtain the best prediction method. The results showed that the best model to predict Cd content was the stacking ensemble model with RF as the meta learner, with coefficient of determination for prediction of 0.9815 and root-mean-square error for prediction of 5.8969 mg kg^-1 . A pseudo-color image was developed using this stacking model to visualize the content and distribution of Cd.

CONCLUSION

The combination of visible-NIR HSI technology and the stacking ensemble learning method is a feasible method to detect the Cd content in rape leaves, which has the potential of being rapid and nondestructive. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Use of Three Different Nanoparticles to Reduce Cd Availability in Soils: Effects on Germination and Early Growth of Sinapis alba L

Globally, cadmium (Cd) is one of the metals that causes the most significant problems of contamination in agricultural soils and toxicity in living organisms. In this study, the ability of three different nanoparticles (dose 3% w/w) (hydroxyapatite (HANPs), maghemite (MNPs), or zero-valent iron (FeNPs)) to decrease the availability of Cd in artificially contaminated agricultural soil was investigated. The effect of Cd and nanoparticles on germination and early growth of Sinapis alba L. was also assessed by tolerance/toxicity bioassays. The available Cd contents in the contaminated soil decreased after treatment with the nanoparticles (available Cd decreased with HANPs: >96.9%, MNPs: >91.9%, FeNPs: >94%), indicating that these nanoparticles are highly efficient for the fixation of available Cd. The toxicity/tolerance bioassays showed different behavior for each nanoparticle. The HANPs negatively affected germination (G(%): 20% worsening compared to control soil), early root growth (G_index: -27.7% compared to control soil), and aerial parts (Ap_index: -12%) of S. alba, but showed positive effects compared to Cd-contaminated soils (G_index: +8-11%; Ap_index: +26-47%). MNP treatment in Cd-contaminated soils had a positive effect on germination (G(%): 6-10% improvement) and early growth of roots (G_index: +16%) and aerial parts (Ap_index: +16-19%). The FeNPs had a positive influence on germination (G(%): +10%) and growth of aerial parts (Ap_index: +12-16%) but not on early growth of roots (G_index: 0%). These nanoparticles can be used to reduce highly available Cd contents in contaminated soils, but MNPs and FeNPs showed the most favorable effects on the early growth and germination of S. alba.

Physiological and metabolic dynamism in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal Oryza sativa (var. Varsha) subjected to Zn and Cd toxicity: a comparative study

Arable lands getting contaminated with heavy metals have a very high negative impact on crop plants. The establishment of the mycorrhizal association with crop plants is a sustainable strategy to overcome metal toxicity. The major aim of this study was to analyze mycorrhizae-mediated alterations on the physiology and metabolism of Oryza sativa, as well as the impact of these alterations in the metal tolerance potential of the host on exposure to cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) stresses. For this, 45 d old O. sativa (var. Varsha) plants inoculated with Claroideoglomus claroideum were exposed to 1.95 g Zn kg^-1 soil and 0.45 g Cd kg^-1 soil. Mycorrhization significantly increased shoot weight, root weight, moisture content, and chlorophyll biosynthesis under Cd and Zn stresses. Mycorrhization mitigated the oxidative stress elicited in O. sativa by the elevated Cd and Zn content, and it aided in maintaining the metabolite's level and rate of photosynthesis as compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. The circular-shaped unique structures seen as opening on the leaf surface of non-mycorrhizal plants under Zn stress, possibly for the emission of volatile compounds synthesized as a result of Zn stress, have a great chance of leaf tissue destruction. This structural modification was characterized in the case of Zn stress and not in Cd stress and can lead to the reduction of photosynthesis in O. sativa exposed to Zn stress. The reduction in oxidative stress could be correlated to the reduced uptake and transport of Cd and Zn ions in mycorrhizal plants. The exudation of tributyl acetyl citrate, 3-beta-acetoxystigmasta-4,6,22-triene, and linoleic acid from the mycorrhizal roots of rice plants has a crucial role in the stabilization of metal ions. This study proposes mycorrhization as a strategy to strengthen the Cd and Zn stress tolerance level of rice plants by regulating the physiology and metabolomics of the host plant.

Assessment of the Hormetic Effect of Arsenic on Growth and Physiology of Two Cultivars of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Although growth stimulation at low arsenic doses was observed in several plants, few studies have focused on this phenomenon in more detail. The effects of different concentrations of arsenic (0-50 mg kg-1 of soil: As0-As50) on the growth and selected physiological parameters of two maize cultivars (Zea mays L. cvs. Chapalu and MvNK 333) were tested. Cultivar MvNK 333 manifested a generally higher tolerance to As than cv. Chapalu, which may be related to the lower content of As in the tissues. The highest stimulatory effect of As was recorded at doses of As1 and As2 (cv. Chapalu), and at the As5 dose (MvNK 333), there was an increase in shoot elongation, biomass, and relative water content (RWC), as well as the content of photosynthetic pigments. The stimulatory effect of lower doses of As apparently represents an adaptation mechanism that is associated with water content regulation in the given conditions. The stomata of the studied cultivars were involved in this regulation in different ways. While cv. Chapalu exhibited increased numbers of stomata on both sides of leaves, cv. MvNK 333 instead responded to the given conditions with decreased stomata size. Although hormetic manifestations closely related to changes in stomatal number and size were observed, a typical stomatal hormetic response was not observed in the given range of As doses.

Application of phytoremediation on soil polluted by heavy metals from sewage sludge

Soil pollution by heavy metals (HM) has become a problem in Algeria, in particular that caused by the discharge of untreated sewage sludge due to the lack of means at the level of sewage treatment plants (WWTP). The objective of our work was to study the possibility of reducing HM pollution of the soil of the WWTP site of Reghaia (Algeria) by phytoremediation. The results obtained showed the decrease in plant growth parameters (maize, rapeseed and alfalfa) grown on the polluted soil. However, on polluted soil amended with fertilizer, improved growth of these plants was noted. It has also been observed that the cultivation of plants in polluted soils (amended and unamended) made it possible to have attenuation rates for HMs (Cd, Zn and Cr) higher than those obtained in the absence of plant cultivation. However, these rates were not very high (less than 40%), and the fertilizer amendment did not increase these rates, despite the improvement in the production of plant biomass. This would be mainly due to the decrease in the bioavailability of HMs for plants. It was concluded that the tested plants do not allow the phytoextraction of HM but their phytostabilization in the polluted soil of the Reghaia WWTP site.

Exogenous Hemin alleviated cadmium stress in maize (Zea mays L.) by enhancing leaf photosynthesis, AsA-GSH cycle and polyamine metabolism

Cadmium (Cd) stress is one of the principal abiotic stresses that inhibit maize growth. The research was to explore (hemin chloride) Hemin (100 μmol L^-1) on photosynthesis, ascorbic acid (AsA)-glutathione (GSH) cycle system, and polyamine metabolism of maize under Cd stress (85 mg L^-1) using nutrient solution hydroponics, with Tiannong 9 (Cd tolerant) and Fenghe 6 (Cd sensitive) as experimental materials. The results showed that Hemin can increase leaf photosynthetic pigment content and ameliorate the ratio of Chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b (Chla/Chlb) under Cd stress. The values of ribose 1, 5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPcase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase), and total xanthophyll cycle pool [(violoxanthin (V), antiflavin (A) and zeaxanthin (Z)] increased, which enhancing xanthophyll cycle (DEPS) de-epoxidation, and alleviating stomatal and non-stomatal limitation of leaf photosynthesis. Hemin significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (P_n ), stomatal conductance (g_s ), transpiration rate (T_r ), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), PSII maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m ), and electron transfer rate (ETR), which contributed to the improvement of the PSII photosynthetic system. Compared with Cd stress, Hemin can reduce thiobartolic acid reactant (TBARS) content, superoxide anion radical (O₂ ^-) production rate, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, and the extent of electrolyte leakage (EL); decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT); slowed the decrease in dehydroascorbic acid reductase (DHAR) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) activity and the increase in glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in leaves; promoted the increase in AsA and GSH content, decreased dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and increased AsA/DHA and GSH/GSSG ratios under Cd stress. Hemin promoted the increase of conjugated and bound polyamine content, and the conversion process speed of free putrescine (Put) to free spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) in maize; decreased polyamine oxidase (PAO) activity and increased diamine oxidase (DAO), arginine decarboxylase (ADC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) enzyme activities in leaves under Cd stress.

Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) under Cd Stress in Fe Deficiency Conditions

Due to the environment pollution by cadmium (Cd) near industrial metallurgic factories and the widespread use of phosphorus fertilizers, the problem of toxic Cd effect on plants is well discussed by many authors, but the phytotoxicity of Cd under iron (Fe) deficiency stress has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the work was to study comprehensively the effect of Cd under Fe deficiency conditions on physiological, biochemical, and anatomical parameters of rice varieties, to identify varietal differences in plant response to the effect of double stress. Relative resistance and sensitivity to the joint effect of Cd and Fe deficiency stress rice varieties have been identified. Double stress decreased a linear growth and biomass accumulation of roots and shoots (by 36-50% and 33-46% and 32-56% and 32-48%, accordingly), content of photosynthetic pigments (Chla, Chlb, and carotenoids by 36-51%, 32-47%, and 64-78%, accordingly), and relative water content (by 18-26%). Proline content increased by 28-103% in all rice varieties, but to a lesser extent in sensitive varieties. The thickness of the lower and upper epidermis and the diameter of vascular bundles of leaves decreased by 18-50%, 46-60%, and 13-48%, accordingly. The thickness of the root endodermis and exodermis and diameter of the central cylinder mainly decreased. The thickness of the exodermis increased slightly by 7%, and the diameter of the central cylinder remained at the control level in resistant Madina variety while in sensitive Chapsari variety, these indicators decreased significantly by 50 and 45%, accordingly. Thus, the aggravation of adverse effect of Cd under Fe deficiency conditions and the varietal specificity of plants' response to double stress were shown. It creates the need for further study of these rice varieties using Fe to identify mechanisms for reducing the toxic effect of Cd on plants as well as the study of Fe and Cd transporter genes at the molecular level.

The role of NADPH oxidases in regulating leaf gas exchange and ion homeostasis in Arabidopsis plants under cadmium stress

NADPH oxidase, an enzyme associated with the plasma membrane, constitutes one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which regulate different developmental and adaptive responses in plants. In this work, the involvement of NADPH oxidases in the regulation of photosynthesis and cell ionic homeostasis in response to short cadmium exposure was compared between wild type (WT) and three RBOHs (Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologues) Arabidopsis mutants (AtrbohC, AtrbohD, and AtrbohF). Plants were grown under hydroponic conditions and supplemented with 50 µM CdCl₂ for 24 h. Cadmium treatment differentially affected photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and antioxidative responses in WT and Atrbohs mutants. The loss of function of RBOH isoforms resulted in higher Cd²⁺ influx, mainly in the elongation zone of roots, which was more evident in AtrbohD and AtrbohF mutants. In the mature zone, the highest Cd²⁺ influx was observed in rbohC mutant. The lack of functional RBOH isoforms also resulted in altered patterns of net K⁺ transport across cellular membranes, both in the root epidermis and leaf mesophyll. The analysis of expression of metal transporters by qPCR demonstrated that a loss of functional RBOH isoforms has altered transcript levels for metal NRAMP3, NRAMP6 and IRT1 and the K⁺ transporters outward-rectifying K⁺ efflux GORK channel, while RBOHD specifically regulated transcripts for high-affinity K⁺ transporters KUP8 and HAK5, and IRT1 and RBOHD and F regulated the transcription factors TGA3 and TGA10. It is concluded that RBOH-dependent H₂O₂ regulation of ion homeostasis and Cd is a highly complex process involving multilevel regulation from transpirational water flow to transcriptional and posttranslational modifications of K/metals transporters.

Various potentially toxic element tolerances in different rice genotypes correlate with distinct physiological responses and alterations in DNA methylation

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are harmful to plant growth and reduce crop productivity. In this work, we studied three rice genotypes (T-35, RZ-1, and RZ-2) to quantify the diverse PTE effects and tolerances by examining morphology, physiology, and DNA methylation patterns. Morphological results showed that T-35 exhibits the highest tolerance to all studied PTE stressors (Cu, Cd, Cr). Physiological responses under PTE stresses confirmed earlier findings, where T-35 showed a higher potassium (K⁺) content and more peroxidase (POD) accumulation in the roots than the other two rice genotypes. The differences in PTE tolerance levels observed among the three rice genotypes were also associated with variations in the heavy metal transportation (HMT) gene expression level. Moreover, methylation-sensitive blotting analysis of the selected genes showed that the DNA methylation changes occurring due to PTE treatments are mainly CHG hypomethylation in T-35 but hypermethylation in RZ-1 and RZ-2. Our results demonstrate a tight relationship among physiological response, expression levels of the HMT genes, and DNA methylation pattern under PTEs stresses. It is also indicated that plants use generic mechanisms to tolerate stresses; however, different genotypes employ different combinations of such tactics to confer tolerance, which results in diverse PTE stress tolerances. These findings shed light on the PTE stresses tolerance mechanism and help direct future breeding activities in rice.

Methyl Jasmonate Alleviated the Adverse Effects of Cadmium Stress in Pea (Pisum sativum L.): A Nexus of Photosystem II Activity and Dynamics of Redox Balance

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in leaves reduces photosynthetic capacity by degrading photosynthetic pigments, reducing photosystem II activity, and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though it was demonstrated that the application of Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) induces heavy metal (HM) stress tolerance in plants, its role in adjusting redox balance and photosynthetic machinery is unclear. In this study, the role of MeJA in modulating photosystem II (PSII) activity and antioxidant defense system was investigated to reduce the toxic effects of Cd on the growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars. One-week-old seedlings of three pea varieties were subjected to Cd stress (0, 50, 100 μm), and MeJA (0, 1, 5, 10 μm) was applied as a foliar spray for 2 weeks. Cadmium stress reduced the growth of all three pea varieties. Cadmium stress decreased photosynthetic pigments [Chl a (58.15%), Chl b (48.97%), total Chl (51.9%) and carotenoids (44.01%)] and efficiency of photosystem II [Fv/Fm (19.52%) and Y(II; 67.67%)], while it substantially increased Cd accumulation along with an increase in ROS (79.09%) and lipid peroxidation (129.28%). However, such adverse effects of Cd stress varied in different pea varieties. Exogenous application of MeJA increased the activity of a battery of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (33.68%), peroxidase (29.75%), and catalase (38.86%)], improved photosynthetic pigments and PSII efficiency. This led to improved growth of pea varieties under Cd stress, such as increased fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots. In addition, improvement in root biomass by MeJA was more significant than that of shoot biomass. Thus, the mitigating effect of MeJA was attributed to its role in cellular redox balance and photosynthetic machinery of pea plants when exposed to Cd stress.

Multidimensional Role of Silicon to Activate Resilient Plant Growth and to Mitigate Abiotic Stress

Sustainable agricultural production is critically antagonistic by fluctuating unfavorable environmental conditions. The introduction of mineral elements emerged as the most exciting and magical aspect, apart from the novel intervention of traditional and applied strategies to defend the abiotic stress conditions. The silicon (Si) has ameliorating impacts by regulating diverse functionalities on enhancing the growth and development of crop plants. Si is categorized as a non-essential element since crop plants accumulate less during normal environmental conditions. Studies on the application of Si in plants highlight the beneficial role of Si during extreme stressful conditions through modulation of several metabolites during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones are primary plant metabolites positively regulated by Si during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones play a pivotal role in crop plants' broad-spectrum biochemical and physiological aspects during normal and extreme environmental conditions. Frontline phytohormones include auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, and jasmonic acid. These phytohormones are internally correlated with Si in regulating abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms. This review explores insights into the role of Si in enhancing the phytohormone metabolism and its role in maintaining the physiological and biochemical well-being of crop plants during diverse abiotic stresses. Moreover, in-depth information about Si's pivotal role in inducing abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants through metabolic and molecular modulations is elaborated. Furthermore, the potential of various high throughput technologies has also been discussed in improving Si-induced multiple stress tolerance. In addition, a special emphasis is engrossed in the role of Si in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and global food security.

Mechanosensation triggers enhanced heavy metal ion uptake by non-glandular trichomes

The trichomes of Arabidopsis thaliana serve as accumulation sites for heavy metals such as Cd²⁺, and thereby both help plants cope with heavy metal stress and detoxify the soil. These trichomes are also believed to prime plant defenses against insect herbivores in response to mechanical stimulation. Because Cd²⁺ in such trichomes may be beneficial for plant defenses, we hypothesized that mechanical stimulation would enhance sequestration of Cd²⁺ in trichomes. We quantified the distribution and concentration of Cd²⁺ in leaves of A. thaliana, of the glabrous mutant gl1-1 of A. thaliana, and Brassica rapa L. subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt (Chinese cabbage) and examined how these changed following mechanical stimulation of the trichomes or leaves. Light brushing or exposure to caterpillars of Spodoptera exigua led trichomes of both A. thaliana and Chinese cabbage to accumulate Cd²⁺ complexes more rapidly and to a higher concentration than trichomes in unstimulated controls. Comparison to responses in leaves of gl1-1 mutants suggested that this acceleration and enhancement of Cd²⁺ storage requires signaling through trichomes. In wild type A. thaliana, Cd²⁺ was found exclusively in trichomes, whereas in gl1-1 mutants, Cd²⁺ was found mainly in the - mesophyll cells. Results suggest a mechanobiological pathway for improving heavy metal detoxification of soils through the action of hyperaccumulator plant leaves containing non-glandular trichomes.

Phytochemicals mitigation of Brassica napus by IAA grown under Cd and Pb toxicity and its impact on growth responses of Anagallis arvensis

Beginning of industrialization accelerates the heavy metal pollution in the biosphere. Plant being the immovable entity utilizes different mechanisms to flee from unfavourable conditions. To alleviate toxic impact of metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA) has been applied exogenously. This manuscript aims to evaluate the significant change occurring in biochemical parameters of Indian mustard (Brassica napus) grown under individual and combined treatments of IAA with Cd and Pb. Herbicidal potential of treated Brassica extracts were evaluated on growth and development of Anagallis arvensis. Quantum yield parameters were more sensitive to Cd than Pb stress resulted in reduced photosynthetic pigments. However, exogenously applied IAA together with Cd and Pb considerably improved the level of photosynthetic attributes along with reduced accumulation of Cd and Pb in Brassica plant. Cd and Pb enhanced the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant machinery. However, addition of IAA with Cd and Pb mitigated the effect of heavy metals on antioxidant system. Moreover, activity of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme and the defensive metabolites (phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin compounds) were boosted under individual treatments of Cd and Pb responsible for increasing herbicidal potential of Brassica plant. Our results exhibited essentiality of IAA in mitigating Cd and Pb stress in Brassica through up-regulated mechanisms of the antioxidant system for balancing ROS related injuries. Increased metabolites enhancing herbicidal potential of Brassica napus against Anagallis weed were also observed.

Significance of vacuolar proton pumps and metal/H+ antiporters in plant heavy metal tolerance

Soil and water are among the most valuable resources on earth. Unfortunately, their contamination with heavy metals has become a global problem. Heavy metals are not biodegradable and cannot be chemically degraded; therefore, they tend to accumulate in soils or to be transported by streaming water and contaminate both surface and groundwater. Cadmium (Cd) has no known biological function but is one of the most toxic metals. It represents a serious environmental concern since its accumulation in soils is associated with health risks to plants, animals and humans. On the other hand, copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are heavy metals that are indispensable to plants but become toxic when their concentration in soils exceeds a certain optimal level. Plants have evolved many mechanisms to cope with heavy metal toxicity; vacuolar sequestration is one of them. Vacuolar sequestration can be achieved through either phytochelatin-dependent or phytochelatin-independent pathways. Most of the transgenic plants meant for phytoremediation described in the literature result from the manipulation of genes involved in the phytochelatin-dependent pathway. However, recent evidence has emerged to support the importance of the phytochelatin-independent pathway in heavy metal sequestration into the vacuole, with metal/H⁺ antiporters and proton pumps playing an important role. In this review, the importance of vacuolar proton pumps and metal/H⁺ antiporters transporting Cd, Cu, and Zn is discussed. In addition, the recent advances in the production of transgenic plants with potential application in phytoremediation and food safety through the manipulation of genes encoding V-PPase proton pumps is described.

High throughput screening of native species for tailings eco-restoration using novel computer visualization for plant phenotyping

Historical hard-rock mine activities have resulted in nearly half a million mining-impacted sites scattered around the US. Compared to conventional remediation, (aided) phytostabilization is generally cost-effective and ecologically productive approach, particularly for large-scale sites. Native species act to maintain higher local biodiversity, providing a foundation for natural ecological succession. Due to heterogeneity of mine waste, revegetation strategies are inconsistent in approach, and to avoid failure scenarios, greenhouse screening studies can identify candidate plants and amendment strategies before scaling up. This greenhouse study aimed to concurrently screen a variety of native species for their potential to revegetate Cu/Pb/Zn mine tailings and develop a high throughput and non-destructive approach utilizing computer vision and image-based phenotyping technologies to quantify plant responses. A total number of 34 species were screened in this study, which included: 5 trees, 8 grasses, and 21 forbs and legumes. Most of the species tested were Missouri native and prairie species. Plants were non-destructively imaged, and 15 shape and color phenotypic attributes were extracted utilizing computer vision techniques of PlantCV. Compared to reference soil, all species tested were negatively impacted by the tailings' characteristics, with lowest tolerance generally observed in tree species. However, significant improvement in plant growth and tolerance generally observed with biosolids addition with biomass surpassing reference soil for most legumes. Accumulation of Cu, Pb, and Zn was below Domestic Animal Toxicity Limits in most species. Statistically robust differences in species responses were observed using phenotypic data, such as area, height, width, color, and 9 other morphological attributes. Correlations with destructive data indicated that area displayed the greatest positive correlation with biomass and color the greatest negative correlation with shoot metals. Computer visualization greatly increased the phenotypic data and offers a breakthrough in rapid, high throughput data collection to project site-specific phytostabilization strategies to efficiently restore mine-impacted sites.

Metal Accumulation and Tolerance in Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii (Nakai) H. Hara. and Fallopia sachalinensis (F.Schmidt) Ronse Decr., a Naturally Growing Plant Species at Mine Site

For growing plants at mine sites, plant species that accumulate metals in tissues and are tolerant to high metal concentrations should be selected from the perspective of phytostabilization. However, the eco-chemical or elemental information of the plant species at the mine sites is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify plants that can adapt to natural growth at mine sites, via: (1) vegetation survey, (2) elemental analysis in soil and plants, and (3) detoxicant detection in plant cells. Our vegetation survey indicated that plants growing at our study site are consistent with plant species confirmed at other mine sites in previous reports. A. indica var. maximowiczii and F. sachalinensis, present at the mine site, highly accumulated Fe, Al, and Cu in the roots, indicating their metal tolerance. Furthermore, A. indica var. maximowiczii produced detoxicants such as chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in the roots, which exhibited high antioxidative activity that would play an important role in metal tolerance in A. indica var. maximowiczii. This study will be effective in providing fundamental information on phytostabilization at mine sites.

Role of Jasmonates, Calcium, and Glutathione in Plants to Combat Abiotic Stresses Through Precise Signaling Cascade

Plant growth regulators have an important role in various developmental processes during the life cycle of plants. They are involved in abiotic stress responses and tolerance. They have very well-developed capabilities to sense the changes in their external milieu and initiate an appropriate signaling cascade that leads to the activation of plant defense mechanisms. The plant defense system activation causes build-up of plant defense hormones like jasmonic acid (JA) and antioxidant systems like glutathione (GSH). Moreover, calcium (Ca2+) transients are also seen during abiotic stress conditions depicting the role of Ca2+ in alleviating abiotic stress as well. Therefore, these growth regulators tend to control plant growth under varying abiotic stresses by regulating its oxidative defense and detoxification system. This review highlights the role of Jasmonates, Calcium, and glutathione in abiotic stress tolerance and activation of possible novel interlinked signaling cascade between them. Further, phyto-hormone crosstalk with jasmonates, calcium and glutathione under abiotic stress conditions followed by brief insights on omics approaches is also elucidated.

Mature trichome is the earliest sequestration site of Cd ions in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves

Sequestration of heavy metals by plants in non-glandular leaf trichomes is important for survival in toxic soils and has the potential for environmental remediation. Although heavy metals are particularly toxic to many plants during development, the integration of sequestration into the developmental timecourse is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that plants preferentially sequester heavy metals into mature trichomes by investigating the timecourse of Cd2+ ions into the leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Results supported the hypothesis and surprisingly showed no Cd2+ ions accumulated in earlier trichome development stages and that sequestration and release by mature trichomes were periodic and dynamic. Studies in mutants suggested that these dynamics were governed by the trichome's secondary cell wall, which matures late in development. Results suggest a developmentally timed pathway for excluding heavy metal toxins and the existence of mechanisms for controlled release that may relate to proposed functions of mature trichomes in plants.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the hyperaccumulator plant Phytolacca americana in response to cadmium stress

To study the molecular mechanism of the hyperaccumulator plant Phytolacca americana against cadmium (Cd) stress, the leaves of P. americana treated with 400 μM Cd for 0, 2, 12, and 24 h were harvested for comparative transcriptome analysis. In total, 110.07 Gb of clean data were obtained, and 63,957 unigenes were acquired after being assembled. Due to the lack of P. americana genome information, only 24,517 unigenes were annotated by public databases. After Cd treatment, 5054 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis and antenna proteins of photosynthesis were significantly down-regulated, while genes related to the lignin biosynthesis pathway were remarkably up-regulated, indicating that P. americana could synthesize more lignin to cope with Cd stress. Moreover, genes related to heavy metal accumulation, sulfur metabolism and glutathione metabolism were also significantly up-regulated. The gene expression pattern of several key genes related to distinct metabolic pathways was verified by qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the immobilization of lignin in cell wall, chelation, vacuolar compartmentalization, as well as the increase of thiol compounds content may be the important mechanisms of Cd detoxification in hyperaccumulator plant P. americana. Accession numbers: the raw data of P. americana transcriptome presented in this study are openly available in NCBI SRA database, under the BioProject of PRJNA649785.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02865-x.

Silicon reduces cadmium absorption and increases root-to-shoot translocation without impacting growth in young plants of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) on a short-term basis

Textile hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a non-edible multipurpose crop suitable for fiber production and/or phytoremediation on moderately heavy metal-contaminated soils. Experiments were conducted in nutrient solution to assess the short-term impact of silicon (Si), a well-known beneficial element, on plants exposed to 20 μM cadmium (Cd) in nutrient solution. Cd decreased plant growth and affected photosynthesis through non-stomatal effects. Cd translocation factor was higher than 1, confirming the interest of hemp for phytoextraction purposes. Additional Si did not improve plant growth after 1 week of treatment but decreased Cd accumulation in all organs and improved water use efficiency through a decrease in transpiration rate. Si had only marginal impact on Cd distribution among organs. It increased glutathione and phytochelatin synthesis allowing the plants to efficiently cope with oxidative stress through the improvement of Cd sequestration on thiol groups in the roots. Si may thus have a fast impact on the plant behavior before the occurrence of plant growth stimulation.

Abscisic acid-mediated modifications in water transport continuum are involved in cadmium hyperaccumulation in Sedum alfredii

Abscisic acid (ABA) play a crucial role in plant acclimation to heavy-metals stresses. Nevertheless, the effects of ABA on long-distance transport and its consequences for cadmium (Cd) accumulation are insufficiently understood. Here, we investigated the effects of ABA on the development of the whole-plant water transport pathway and implications for Cd uptake and transport to the shoot of Sedum alfredii. Exposure to Cd stimulated the production of endogenous ABA levels in the non-hyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE), but not in the hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE). Increased ABA levels in NHE significantly reduced aquaporin expressions in roots, the number of xylem vessel in stem, dimensions and densities of stomata in leaves, but induced leaf osmotic adjustment. Furthermore, the ABA-driven modifications in NHE plants showed typically higher sensitivity to ABA content in leaves compared to HE, illustrating ecotype-specific responses to ABA level. In NHE, the ABA-mediated modifications primarily affected the xylem transport of Cd ions and, at the cost of considerable water delivery limitations, significantly reduced delivery of Cd ions to shoots. In contrast, maintenance of low ABA levels in HE failed to t limit transpiration rates and maximized Cd accumulation in shoots. Our results demonstrated that ABA regulates Cd hyperaccumulation of S. alfredii through specific modifications in the water transport continuum.

Cadmium toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation strategies

Cadmium (Cd) is an unessential trace element in plants that is ubiquitous in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as disposal of urban refuse, smelting, mining, metal manufacturing, and application of synthetic phosphate fertilizers enhance the concentration of Cd in the environment and are carcinogenic to human health. In this manuscript, we reviewed the sources of Cd contamination to the environment, soil factors affecting the Cd uptake, the dynamics of Cd in the soil rhizosphere, uptake mechanisms, translocation, and toxicity of Cd in plants. In crop plants, the toxicity of Cd reduces uptake and translocation of nutrients and water, increases oxidative damage, disrupts plant metabolism, and inhibits plant morphology and physiology. In addition, the defense mechanism in plants against Cd toxicity and potential remediation strategies, including the use of biochar, minerals nutrients, compost, organic manure, growth regulators, and hormones, and application of phytoremediation, bioremediation, and chemical methods are also highlighted in this review. This manuscript may help to determine the ecological importance of Cd stress in interdisciplinary studies and essential remediation strategies to overcome the contamination of Cd in agricultural soils.

Growth and physiological responses of Pennisetum sp. to cadmium stress under three different soils

Pennisetum sp. was employed as a model species to detect the growth and physiological response to cadmium (Cd) stress at different Cd concentrations (0, 20, 50, and 100 mg kg^-1) in three types of soils (yellow brown soil, yellow soil, and red soil). Results showed that the growth of Pennisetum sp. was not significantly influenced by Cd in 20 mg kg^-1, but significantly inhibited at higher Cd concentrations in three types of soils. Besides, the higher Cd concentrations, the lower root, stem, and leaf biomass. With Cd concentration of soil increasing, Cd content of root, stem, and leaf increased. Compared with no Cd, high Cd concentrations (50 and 100 mg kg^-1) induced the physiological indices (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate) and biochemical indices (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase activities) decreasing, but the concentration of NO₃^- and NH₄⁺ increasing. The activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, and CAT) was disrupted and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increasing. Pennisetum sp. could protect cells from damage and maintain normal physiological metabolism via increasing the production of soluble sugar and soluble protein, but soluble proteins and soluble sugars were limited in high concentrations of Cd (50 and 100 mg kg^-1). Moreover, the growth and physiological response to Cd are different in the three types of soils. The growth of Pennisetum sp. in yellow brown soil was better than that in other two soils, and the gas exchange rate, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nitrogen metabolism in yellow soil and red soil were more affected by Cd stress than that in yellow brown soil. Overall, Pennisetum sp. had certain tolerance and biosorption ability to Cd in different Cd concentrations and different types of soil. Hence, Pennisetum sp. was a suitable choice for Cd remediation, especially in yellow brown soil.

Effects of electric fields on Cd accumulation and photosynthesis in Zea mays seedlings

Phytoremediation enhanced by electrokinetic has been considered as a potential technology for remediating contaminated soils. However, the effects of electric fields on Cd accumulation and photosynthesis in Zea mays (as a cathode) is still unclear. In the present study, Zea mays seedlings were exposed to various doses of Cd²⁺ (10, 50, 100 μM) to explore the impact of electric fields on Cd accumulation and photosynthesis of Zea mays. Results showed that upon exposure to a concentration of 100 μM Cd, electric fields significantly altered the Cd contents in maize shoots, whereas the concentration of 50 μM Cd increased the Cd contents in maize roots as well as affected the Cd transport from roots to shoots. Uptake index (UI) increased by 1.34%-66.16% with the application of electric fields. The variation of photosynthetic rates attributed to the open or closure of stoma was similar to the change of shoot fresh weight, particularly in maize exposed to high Cd stress. This study proposes a new technology in Cd phytoremediation and provides important information on physiological processes in maize when exposed to Cd stress and electric fields.

Transcriptome divergence between developmental senescence and premature senescence in Nicotiana tabacum L

Senescence is a degenerative process triggered by intricate and coordinated regulatory networks, and the mechanisms of age-dependent senescence and stress-induced premature senescence still remain largely elusive. Thus we selected leaf samples of developmental senescence (DS) and premature senescence (PS) to reveal the regulatory divergence. Senescent leaves were confirmed by yellowing symptom and physiological measurement. A total of 1171 and 309 genes (DEGs) were significantly expressed respectively in the whole process of DS and PS. Up-regulated DEGs in PS were mostly related to ion transport, while the down-regulated DEGs were mainly associated with oxidoreductase activity and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. In DS, photosynthesis, precursor metabolites and energy, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, flavonoid biosynthesis were notable. Moreover, we found the vital pathways shared by DS and PS, of which the DEGs were analyzed further via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to explore the alteration responding to two types of senescence. In addition, plant hormone transduction pathway was mapped by related DEGs, suggesting that ABA and ethylene signaling played pivotal roles in formulating the distinction of DS and PS. Finally, we conducted a model containing oxidative stress and ABA signaling as two hub points, which highlighted the major difference and predicted the possible mechanism under DS and PS. This work gained new insight into molecular divergence of developmental senescence and premature senescence and would provide reference on potential mechanism initiating and motivating senescence for further study.

Physiological and Transcriptomic Response of Grey Poplar (Populus ×canescens Aiton Sm.) to Cadmium Stress

(1) Background: Populus ×canescens (Aiton) Sm. is a fast-growing woody plant belonging to the family Salicaceae. Two poplar genotypes characterized by unique phenotypic traits (TP11 and TP20) were chosen to be characterized and tested for a physiological and transcriptomic response to Cd stress. (2) Methods: A comparative analysis of the effects of exposure to high cadmium (Cd) concentrations (10 µM and 100 µM) of TP11 and TP20 was performed. (3) Results: Neither of the tested Cd concentration negatively affected plant growth; however, the chlorophyll content significantly decreased. The potassium (K) content was higher in the shoots than in the roots. The magnesium concentrations were only slightly affected by Cd treatment. The zinc content in the shoots of TP20 was lower than that in the shoots of TP11. Cd accumulation was higher in the roots than in the shoots. After 10 days of exposure, 10 µM Cd resulted in comparable amounts of Cd in the roots and shoots of TP20. The most significant change in transcript amount was observed in endochitinase 2, 12-oxophytodienoate reductase 1 and phi classglutathione S-transferase. (4) Conclusions: Our study provided new insights for effective assessing the ability of different poplar genotypes to tolerate Cd stress and underlying Cd tolerance.

Effects of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in Nelumbo nucifera G. under cadmium exposure

Water contamination with cadmium (Cd) is a global environmental problem and its remediation becomes urgent. Phytoremediation using ornamental plants has attracted much attention for its advantages of cost-effectiveness and beautification of the environment. Nelumbo nucifera G. is a popular ornamental aquatic macrophyte with fast growth, large biomass, and high capacities for Cd accumulation and removal. However, information about Cd resistance and defense responses in N. nucifera is rather scarce, which restricts its large-scale utilization for phytoremediation. The phytohormone ethylene plays an important role in plant resistance to Cd stress, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated morphophysiological responses of N. nucifera seedlings to Cd stress, and focused on the effects of ethylene on oxidative damage, Cd accumulation, and antioxidant defense system at the metabolic and transcript levels in leaves under Cd stress. Our results showed that Cd exposure led to leaf chlorosis and necrosis, coupled with an increase in contents of hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde, and decrease in chlorophyll content. Exogenous ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) application intensified Cd-induced stress responses and Cd accumulation, and increased ethylene production by inducing ACC synthase (ACS) gene NnACS. Such enhanced ethylene emission inhibited catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, and modulated ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) accumulation through transcriptional regulation of their respective metabolic genes. After ethylene action inhibitor silver thiosulfate (STS) supplementation, Cd-induced oxidative damage was abolished, and Cd content declined but still at a relatively high level. Blocking of ethylene perception by STS inhibited ethylene biosynthesis; enhanced CAT, APX, and GR activities and their transcript levels; increased AsA accumulation via inducing its biosynthetic genes; but reduced GSH content and NnGSH2 expression level. These results suggest that ethylene biosynthesis and signaling play an important role in N. nucifera response to Cd stress, and maintaining appropriate ethylene level and low ethylene sensitivity could improve its Cd tolerance via efficient antioxidant defenses.

Effects of cadmium on two wheat cultivars depending on different nitrogen supply

Heavy metal pollution as well as improper fertilization management represent serious threats to a clean environment and healthy food. This study was conducted to investigate how nitrogen supply influences a plant's ability to cope with cadmium stress in the two wheat cultivars - the modern cv. Katya (carrier of the semi-dwarfing gene Rht8) and the old cv. Slomer. Here we examined the effects of 100 μM CdCl₂ on both wheat genotypes grown hydroponically under three different nutrition regimes of 5.5, 10 and 20 mM NO₃^- by investigating plant growth, pigment content and the functional activity of the photosynthetic apparatus through a combination of PAM chlorophyll fluorescence, P700 photooxidation, oxygen evolution and oxidative stress markers. Data showed that the different genetic background affects the different strategies for metal uptake and allocation, as well as abilities to deal with oxidative stress. The modern cv. Katya restricts the entry of the metal to the roots, but allows its translocation to the shoots. Nevertheless, the photosynthetic performance indicated better protection, possibly mediated by the Rht8 allele. In contrast, the old cv. Slomer tolerates higher cadmium levels in roots and possesses efficient barriers against its transfer to the shoots, but still showed more impaired photosynthetic activity. In general, the impact of cadmium on the photosynthetic apparatus was most deleterious under the lowest nitrogen concentration which was applied, while the highest nitrogen supply alleviated the negative effects of cadmium. The data suggest that the modern breeding allele (Rht8), as well as a better nutrition might contribute to the tolerance to heavy metal stress in the wheat.

Iron-induced behavioural and biochemical responses of charophytes in consequence of phosphates coagulant addition: Threats to lake ecosystems restoration

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of iron (Fe) on the physiological and behavioural reaction of Chara tomentosa L. Fe was introduced into the environment in the form of iron chloride, the most common coagulants used in the restoration of water bodies. The investigations concerned the oxidative stress comprising phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity and photosynthetic pigments concentration. Research was conducted as a laboratory microcosm experiment with one-off application of Fe at the level of 26.8 mg dm^-3. Coagulant application caused short-term acidification, increased salinity and deterioration of light conditions. The shading resulted initially from the increase of water colour and turbidity and was followed by covering of the charophytes with a precipitated suspension. C. tomentosa did not activate defensive mechanisms to prevent the shading effect such as intensive elongation and elevated concentration of chlorophylls. Neither oxidative stress nor production of stress-specific phenolic metabolites was found. It was a result of iron coagulant toxicity, which led to cell membrane damage and leakage of cell contents to the water environment. Charophyte growth was significantly impaired, and thalli suffered numerous chlorotic and necrotic spots which extended gradually during experiment and finally caused death of specimens.

High NaCl tolerance potential of Bruguiera cylindrica (L.) Blume compromised by mild CuSO4 concentration as evidenced by unique physiochemical features

Differential response of Bruguiera cylindrica to individual (CuSO₄) and combined (CuSO₄ NaCl) effect was evaluated. The plantlets were treated with control, 0.15 mM CuSO₄, 400 mM NaCl and 0.15 mM CuSO₄ + 400 mM NaCl. Under combined stress, higher accumulation of Cu in the roots indicate that the roots are the primary site of Cu accumulation and thus the plant perform as an excluder and photosynthetic efficiency reduced drastically and significant enhancement in the superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals which increase membrane lipid peroxidation, leading to cellular damage and destruction. As evidenced from SEM-EDXMA, increase in Cu and Na⁺ levels in xylem and pith regions of leaf and stem and the presence of deeply stained structures, denoting the probable formation of complex containing the metal. Increased CaOx crystal forming cells (crystal idioblasts) reveals the regulation of bioaccumulated Cu and Na⁺ by complexing with CaOx. Thus the study suggested that, 400 mM NaCl and 0.15 mM CuSO₄ treatments does not have negative impact on plant growth, the NaCl tolerance potential compromised in the presence of mild CuSO₄ concentration during combined stress.

Specificity of Cd, Cu, and Fe effects on barley growth, metal contents in leaves and chloroplasts, and activities of photosystem I and photosystem II

Cd, Cu, and Fe were used to reveal the specificity of their toxic actions. We studied the effects of heavy metals on the growth of barley seedlings, contents of cations in leaves and chloroplasts, induced chlorophyll fluorescence and P₇₀₀ light absorption. Differences were found at each level of research. We measured the contents of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, and K. The proportion of cations in leaves targeted to chloroplasts varied from 0.1% (K) to >90% (Fe). Their levels changed in different ways. We found no correlation between changes in cation contents in leaves and chloroplasts. Treatment with Cd, Cu, and Fe increased the contents of some cations. The extra portions were targeted primarily out of chloroplasts, which was most noticeable in the case of Cu and Fe. Cd treatment decreased non-photochemical quenching with concomitant increases in closed photosystem II. We introduced new coefficients qC for closed photosystem II and X(II) to compare the yields of photosystem II and photosystem I. Cd likely decreased both PSI content in leaves and its quantum yield. In control plants, the quantum yield ratio of PSI/PSII increased gradually from 1.25 under low light to 4 under high light. Cd treatment prevented the increase under moderate light; under high light the ratio reached 2. Cu treatment increased the acceptor side limitation of photosystem I under low light; components of the Calvin cycle likely demand more light for activation in Cu-treated plants.

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Plants Exposed to Heavy Metals

Salicylic acid (SA) is a very simple phenolic compound (a C₇H₆O₃ compound composed of an aromatic ring, one carboxylic and a hydroxyl group) and this simplicity contrasts with its high versatility and the involvement of SA in several plant processes either in optimal conditions or in plants facing environmental cues, including heavy metal (HM) stress. Nowadays, a huge body of evidence has unveiled that SA plays a pivotal role as plant growth regulator and influences intra- and inter-plant communication attributable to its methyl ester form, methyl salicylate, which is highly volatile. Under stress, including HM stress, SA interacts with other plant hormones (e.g., auxins, abscisic acid, gibberellin) and promotes the stimulation of antioxidant compounds and enzymes thereby alerting HM-treated plants and helping in counteracting HM stress. The present literature survey reviews recent literature concerning the roles of SA in plants suffering from HM stress with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture about SA and HM, in order to orientate the direction of future research on this topic.

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Plants Exposed to Heavy Metals

Salicylic acid (SA) is a very simple phenolic compound (a C7H6O3 compound composed of an aromatic ring, one carboxylic and a hydroxyl group) and this simplicity contrasts with its high versatility and the involvement of SA in several plant processes either in optimal conditions or in plants facing environmental cues, including heavy metal (HM) stress. Nowadays, a huge body of evidence has unveiled that SA plays a pivotal role as plant growth regulator and influences intra- and inter-plant communication attributable to its methyl ester form, methyl salicylate, which is highly volatile. Under stress, including HM stress, SA interacts with other plant hormones (e.g., auxins, abscisic acid, gibberellin) and promotes the stimulation of antioxidant compounds and enzymes thereby alerting HM-treated plants and helping in counteracting HM stress. The present literature survey reviews recent literature concerning the roles of SA in plants suffering from HM stress with the aim of providing a comprehensive picture about SA and HM, in order to orientate the direction of future research on this topic.

Water relations responses of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) mutant SGECdt to mercury

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals and has multiple impacts on plant growth and physiology, including disturbances of plant water status. The impact of Hg on water relations was assessed by exposing the unique Hg-sensitive pea (Pisum sativum L.) mutant SGECdt and its wild-type (WT) line SGE in hydroponic culture. When the plants were grown in the presence of 1 or 2 µM HgCl2 for 11 days, the SGECdt mutant had lower whole plant transpiration rate and increased leaf temperature, indicating stomatal closure. Shoot removal of Hg-untreated plants resulted in greater root-pressure induced xylem sap flow in the SGECdt mutant than WT plants. Treating these plants with 50 µM HgCl2 (an inhibitor of aquaporins) for 1 h decreased xylem sap flow of both genotypes by about 5 times and eliminated differences between WT and mutant. Adding 1 mM dithiothreitol (the reducing thiol reagent used for opening aquaporins) to the nutrient solution of Hg-treated plants partially restored xylem sap flow in SGECdt roots only, suggesting genotypic differences in aquaporin function. Thus root water uptake is important in mediating sensitivity of SGECdt to toxic Hg.

Regulation of cadmium toxicity in roots of tomato by indole acetic acid with special emphasis on reactive oxygen species production and their scavenging

Toxic impact of cadmium (Cd) on plants is well known which affects their productivity. To mitigate toxic impact of metals such as Cd, exogenous application of phytohormones like indole acetic acid (IAA) has been well recognized in the recent past. But, mechanisms related to the IAA-mediated mitigation of metal toxicity remain elusive. Therefore, in this study, effect of IAA on growth and photosynthetic attributes, nitric oxide, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ascorbate-glutathione cycle (AsA-GSH cycle) was investigated in tomato roots exposed to Cd stress. Cd declined growth and photosynthetic attributes which were accompanied by the excess accumulation of Cd and decreased level of nitric oxide (NO). Among photosynthetic attributes, quantum yield parameters were more sensitive to Cd and these results were in parallel of photosynthetic pigments. However, exogenously applied IAA together with Cd significantly improved level of NO, growth and photosynthetic attributes together with reduced accumulation of Cd. Cd enhanced level of superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide leading to severe damage to lipids and membranes as indicated by increased level of lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage which collectively reduced cell viability of roots. Moreover, components of the AsA-GSH cycle i.e. enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reducatse, dehydroascorbate reducatse and glutathione reductase) and metabolites (ascorbate and glutathione) were declined by the Cd. However, addition of IAA with Cd had up-regulated components of the AsA-GSH cycle. Interestingly, application of 2,4,6-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA, a polar auxin transport inhibitor) diminished growth attributes and its combination with Cd worsened its toxicity and these events were in parallel with decline in NO content and enhancement in Cd accumulation. The results also showed that IAA was also able in mitigating Cd toxicity in tomato roots even in the presence of TIBA. Overall results show the essentiality of IAA in mitigating Cd stress in tomato roots through NO that up-regulates components of the AsA-GSH cycle for balancing ROS and their associated damages and hence much improved growth and photosynthetic attributes were noticed.

Cadmium and Plant Development: An Agony from Seed to Seed

Anthropogenic pollution of agricultural soils with cadmium (Cd) should receive adequate attention as Cd accumulation in crops endangers human health. When Cd is present in the soil, plants are exposed to it throughout their entire life cycle. As it is a non-essential element, no specific Cd uptake mechanisms are present. Therefore, Cd enters the plant through transporters for essential elements and consequently disturbs plant growth and development. In this review, we will focus on the effects of Cd on the most important events of a plant's life cycle covering seed germination, the vegetative phase and the reproduction phase. Within the vegetative phase, the disturbance of the cell cycle by Cd is highlighted with special emphasis on endoreduplication, DNA damage and its relation to cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss the cell wall as an important structure in retaining Cd and the ability of plants to actively modify the cell wall to increase Cd tolerance. As Cd is known to affect concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytohormones, special emphasis is put on the involvement of these compounds in plant developmental processes. Lastly, possible future research areas are put forward and a general conclusion is drawn, revealing that Cd is agonizing for all stages of plant development.

Chelators induced uptake of cadmium and modulation of water relation, antioxidants, and photosynthetic traits of maize

The present study was aimed to reveal the effect of cadmium (Cd)-polluted soil on the activation of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis, pigments, water relation, and other biochemical traits and comparative effect of synthetic and organic chelators. A pot experiment was conducted using two maize varieties grown in Cd-contaminated (15 and 30 mg kg^-1) soil and chelators (1 mM EDTA, and 1 mM citric acid). Cd decreased biomass and photosynthetic traits while increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, total proteins, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Addition of EDTA enhanced Cd uptake, antioxidative enzyme, and total proteins; however, it reduced the water, osmotic, and turgor potential as compared to Cd alone. Addition of citric acid has lessened the antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA contents and enhanced the plant biomass as compared to Cd alone. Increases in antioxidants and MDA content were found to be positively related to the Cd contents in shoot and root. The application of citric acid significantly alleviated the Cd-induced toxic effects, showing remarkable improvement in biomass. These results indicated that EDTA was more effective for mobilizing Cd from soil to the root and shoot than citric acid; however, the physiological traits and plant biomass were more strongly inhibited by EDTA than by the Cd. Our study implies that citric acid ameliorated the negative effect of Cd on physiological traits and biomass, and hence could be used effectively for Cd phytoextraction.

Cd2+ influences metabolism and elemental distribution in roots of Acanthus ilicifolius L

Effect of cadmium (Cd) on the primary metabolic activities and elemental distribution in roots was explored in Acanthus ilicifolius L., a halophyte with phytostabilization potential. The rate of photosynthesis decreased in the CdCl₂ treated plants and this reduction was mainly attributed to the reduction of leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, impaired gaseous exchange caused by the stomatal closure and tissue water status. However, respiration rate was significantly higher in the CdCl₂ treated plants which aid the plant with additional energy required for the metabolic activities. Distribution of essential elements in the roots exhibited significant differences from that of control, which indicate the nutritional adaptation developed by A. ilicifolius under the influence of toxic metal ions. Thus, Cd toxicity is neutralized through the resource allocation from the growth process to processes that increase the fitness of the plant to encounter adverse environmental condition. In addition, the absorbed Cd is retained in the cortical cells of root thereby preventing the upward movement to shoot thereby making the plant a potential candidate for phytostabilization of Cd.

Distribution of Cd and other cations between the stroma and thylakoids: a quantitative approach to the search for Cd targets in chloroplasts

Plant growth and photosynthetic activity are usually inhibited due to the overall action of Cd on a whole organism, though few cadmium cations can invade chloroplasts in vivo. We found that in vivo, the major portion of Cd in barley chloroplasts is located in the thylakoids (80%), and the minor portion is in the stroma (20%). Therefore, the electron-transport chain in the thylakoids would be the likely target for direct Cd action in vivo. In vitro, we found the distribution of Cd to be shifted to the stroma (40-60%). In barley chloroplasts, the major portions of Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cu were found to be located in the thylakoids, and most Ca, Zn, and K in the stroma. This finding was true for both control and Cu- or Fe-treated plants. Treatment with Cd affected the contents of all cations, and the largest portions of Ca and Zn were in the thylakoids. Alterations of the K and Mn contents were caused by Cd, Cu, or Fe treatment; the levels of other cations in chloroplasts were changed specifically by Cd treatment. The quantity of Cd in chloroplasts was small in comparison to that of Mg, Ca, and Fe. In thylakoids, the amount of Cd was similar to that of Cu and comparable to the levels of Zn and Mn. Accordingly, the possible targets for direct Cd action in thylakoids are the Mn cluster, plastocyanin, carbonic anhydrase, or FtsH protease. The quantity of Cd in thylakoids is sufficient to replace a cation nearly completely at one of these sites or partially (20-30%) at many of these sites.