Calcium invigorates the cadmium-stressed Brassica napus L. plants by strengthening their photosynthetic system

Different stoichiometric ratios of Ca and Cd affect the Cd tolerance of Capsicum annuum L. by regulating the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd

The effect of calcium (Ca)-cadmium (Cd) interactions on the plant Cd bioaccumulation process may be closely related to the ecological Ca/Cd stoichiometry in the substrate. However, owing to the complexity of plant absorption, accumulation mechanisms and influencing factors, the mechanism of Ca-mediated Cd bioaccumulation and Cd tolerance in Capsicum is still unclear. In this study, the bioaccumulation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in Capsicum were analysed via pot experiments to reveal the Ca-mediated Cd bioaccumulation process and its detoxification mechanism under different Ca/Cd stoichiometric ratios. The results revealed that an increase in the substrate Ca/Cd ratio promoted the accumulation of Cd in the roots; restricted the transport of Cd to the stems, leaves and peppers; and promoted the accumulation of Cd in the aboveground leaves but decreased its accumulation in edible parts. Cd was enriched mainly in the cell wall and cell-soluble fraction in each tissue and was enriched in only 1 %-13 % of the organelles. The accumulation of Cd in the cell wall and cell-soluble fractions of roots treated with different Ca concentrations increased by 56.57 %-236.98 % and 64.41 %-442.14 %, respectively. The carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups on the root cell wall play important roles in binding and fixing Cd2+. Moreover, the increase in the Ca content also increased the proportion of pectin and protein-bound Cd (F-NaCl), insoluble phosphate-bound Cd (F-C) and insoluble oxalate-bound Cd (F-HCl) in the roots, stems and leaves and reduced the proportion of highly active chemical forms such as inorganic acid salt-bound Cd (F-E) and water-soluble phosphate-bound Cd (F-W). Our study revealed that the bioaccumulation of Cd in Capsicum was influenced by the Ca/Cd ratio and that Ca could alleviate Cd stress by regulating the subcellular distribution and chemical form ratio of Cd in different tissues where the cell wall plays an important role in Cd tolerance and detoxification.

Comparing the Effects of Lime Soil and Yellow Soil on Cadmium Accumulation in Rice during Grain-Filling and Maturation Periods

The karst area has become a high-risk area for Cadmium (Cd) exposure. Interestingly, the high levels of Cd in soils do not result in an excessive bioaccumulation of Cd in rice. Carbonate rock dissolution ions (CRIs) could limit the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice. CRIs can become a major bottleneck in the remediation and management of farmlands in karst areas. However, there is limited research on the effects of CRIs in soils on Cd accumulation in rice. The karst area of lime soil (LS) and the non-karst areas of yellow soil (YS) were collected, and an external Cd was added to conduct rice cultivation experiments. Cd and CRIs (Ca2+, Mg2+, CO32-/HCO3-, and OH-) in the rice-soil system were investigated from the grain-filling to maturity periods. The results showed that CRIs of LS were significantly higher than that of YS in different treatments. CRIs of LS were 2.05 mg·kg-1 for Ca2+, 0.90 mg·kg-1 for Mg2+, and 42.29 mg·kg-1 for CO32- in LS. CRIs could influence DTPA Cd, resulting in DTPA Cd of LS being lower than that of YS. DTPA Cd of YS was one to three times larger than that of YS. Cd content in different parts of rice in YS was higher than that of LS. Cd in rice grains of YS was one to six times larger than that of LS. The uptake of Cd from the soil during Filling III was critical in determining rice Cd accumulation. CRIs in the soil could affect Cd accumulation in rice. Ca2+ and Mg2+ had significant negative effects on Cd accumulation of rice at maturity and filling, respectively. CO32-/HCO3- and OH- had significant negative effects on DTPA Cd in soil.

ABA-importing transporter (AIT1) synergies enhances exogenous ABA minimize heavy metals accumulations in Arabidopsis

Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) presents a novel approach to mitigate heavy metal (HM) accumulation in plants, yet its efficacy against multiple HMs and potential enhancement methods remain underexplored. In this study, we demonstrated that the exogenous ABA application simultaneously decreased Zn, Cd and Ni accumulation by 22-25 %, 27-39 % and 60-62 %, respectively, in wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis. Conversely, ABA reduced Pb in shoots but increased its root concentration. ABA application also modulated the expression of HM uptake genes, inhibiting IRT1, NRAMP1, NRAMP4, and HMA3, and increasing ZIP1 and ZIP4 expressions. Further analysis revealed that overexpressing the ABA-importing transporter (AIT1) in plants intensified the reduction of Cd, Zn, and Ni, compared to WT. However, the inhibitory effect of exogenous ABA on Pb accumulation was mitigated in shoots with higher AIT1 expression. Furthermore, HMs-induced growth inhibition and the damage to photosynthesis were also alleviated with ABA treatment. Conclusively, AIT1's synergistic effect with ABA effectively reduces Cd, Zn and Ni accumulation, offering a synergistic approach to mitigate HM stress in plants.

Insights into heavy metal tolerance mechanisms of Brassica species: physiological, biochemical, and molecular interventions

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of soil due to anthropogenic activities has led to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, posing toxic effects on plants by interacting with vital cellular biomolecules such as DNA and proteins. Brassica species have developed complex physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms for adaptability, tolerance, and survival under these conditions. This review summarizes the HM tolerance strategies of Brassica species, covering the role of root exudates, microorganisms, cell walls, cell membranes, and organelle-specific proteins. The first line of defence against HM stress in Brassica species is the avoidance strategy, which involves metal ion precipitation, root sorption, and metal exclusion. The use of plant growth-promoting microbes, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, and Rhizobium species effectively immobilizes HMs and reduces their uptake by Brassica roots. The roots of Brassica species efficiently detoxify metals, particularly by flavonoid glycoside exudation. The composition of the cell wall and callose deposition also plays a crucial role in enhancing HMs resistance in Brassica species. Furthermore, plasma membrane-associated transporters, BjCET, BjPCR, BjYSL, and BnMTP, reduce HM concentration by stimulating the efflux mechanism. Brassica species also respond to stress by up-regulating existing protein pools or synthesizing novel proteins associated with HM stress tolerance. This review provides new insights into the HM tolerance mechanisms of Brassica species, which are necessary for future development of HM-resistant crops.

Sulfate supplementation affects nutrient and photosynthetic status of Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum differently under prolonged exposure to cadmium

Hydroponic experiments were performed to examine the effect of prolonged sulfate limitation combined with cadmium (Cd) exposure in Arabidopsis thaliana and a potential Cd hyperaccumulator, Nicotiana tabacum. Low sulfate treatments (20 and 40 µM MgSO₄) and Cd stress (4 µM CdCl₂) showed adverse effects on morphology, photosynthetic and biochemical parameters and the nutritional status of both species. For example, Cd stress decreased NO₃^- root content under 20 µM MgSO₄ to approximately 50% compared with respective controls. Interestingly, changes in many measured parameters, such as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, the concentrations of anions, nutrients and Cd, induced by low sulfate supply, Cd exposure or a combination of both factors, were species-specific. Our data showed opposing effects of Cd exposure on Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn levels in roots of the studied plants. In A. thaliana, levels of glutathione, phytochelatins and glucosinolates demonstrated their distinct involvement in response to sub-optimal growth conditions and Cd stress. In shoot, the levels of phytochelatins and glucosinolates in the organic sulfur fraction were not dependent on sulfate supply under Cd stress. Altogether, our data showed both common and species-specific features of the complex plant response to prolonged sulfate deprivation and/or Cd exposure.

Pre treatment of melatonin rescues cotton seedlings from cadmium toxicity by regulating key physio-biochemical and molecular pathways

Melatonin, a plant/animal origin hormone, regulates plant response to abiotic stresses by protecting them from oxidative damage. This study identified physiochemical and molecular mechanism of melatonin-induced cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance and detoxification in cotton seedlings. Cotton seedlings, with or without melatonin (15 µM) pretreatment, were subjected to Cd (100 µM) stress in a hydroponic medium for eight days. We found that higher cellular Cd accumulation in leaf tissues significantly inhibited the growth and physiology of cotton seedlings. In contrast, melatonin-treated seedlings maintained leaf photosynthetic capacity, producing relatively higher fresh (17.4%) and dry (19.3%) weights than non-melatonin-treated plants under Cd-contaminated environments. The improved growth and leaf functioning were strongly linked with the melatonin-induced repression of Cd transporter genes (LOC107894197, LOC107955631, LOC107899273) in roots. Thus, melatonin induced downregulation of the Cd transporter genes further inhibited Cd ion transport towards leaf tissues. This suggests that the differentially expressed transporter genes (DEG) are key drivers of the melatonin-mediated regulation of Cd transportation and sequestration in cotton. Melatonin also protected cotton seedlings from Cd-induced oxidative injury by reducing tissues malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels and increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that melatonin activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways to simulate stomatal adjustment and photosynthesis in Cd-stressed leaves. Further, melatonin protects intercellular organs, particularly ribosomes, from Cd-induced oxidative damage by promoting ribosomal biosynthesis and improving translational efficiency. The findings elucidated the molecular basis of melatonin-mediated Cd stress tolerance in plants and provided a key for the effective strategy of Cd accumulation in cotton.

Mechanism of calcium signal response to cadmium stress in duckweed

Cadmium (Cd) causes serious damage to plants. Although calcium (Ca) signal has been found to respond to certain stress, the localization of Ca and molecular mechanisms underlying Ca signal in plants during Cd stress are largely unknown. In this study, Ca²⁺-sensing fluorescent reporter (GCaMP3) transgenic duckweed showed the Ca²⁺ signal response in Lemna turionifera 5511 (duckweed) during Cd stress. Subsequently, the subcellular localization of Ca²⁺ has been studied during Cd stress by transmission electron microscopy, showing the accumulation of Ca²⁺ in vacuoles. Also, Ca²⁺ flow during Cd stress has been measured. At the same time, the effects of exogenous glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric (GABA) on duckweed can better clarify the signal operation mechanism of plants to Cd stress. The molecular mechanism of Ca²⁺ signal responsed during Cd stress showed that Cd treatment promotes the positive response of Ca signaling channels in plant cells, and thus affects the intracellular Ca content. These novel signal studies provided an important Ca²⁺ signal molecular mechanism during Cd stress.

Calcium Enhances Thallium Uptake in Green Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Thallium (Tl) is a nonessential and toxic trace metal that is detrimental to plants, but it can be highly up-taken in green cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.). It has been proven that there is a significant positive correlation between Tl and Calcium (Ca) contents in plants. However, whether Ca presents a similar role for alleviating Tl toxicity in plants remains unclear, and little is known in terms of evidence for both Ca-enhanced uptake of Tl from soils to green cabbage and associated geochemical processes. In this study, we investigated the influence of Ca in soils on Tl uptake in green cabbage and the associated geochemical process. The pot experiments were conducted in 12 mg/kg Tl(I) and 8 mg/kg Tl(III) treatments with various Ca dosages. The results showed that Ca in soils could significantly enhance Tl uptake in green cabbage, increasing 210% in content over the control group. The soluble concentrations of Tl were largely increased by 210% and 150%, respectively, in 3.0 g/kg Ca treatment, compared with the corresponding treatment without Ca addition. This was attributed to the geochemical process in which the enhanced soluble Ca probably replaces Tl held on the soil particles, releasing more soluble Tl into the soil solution. More interestingly, the bioconcentration factor of the leaves and whole plant for the 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg Ca dosage group were greatly higher than for the non-Ca treatment, which could reach 207%, implying the addition of Ca can improve the ability of green cabbage to transfer Tl from the stems to the leaves. Furthermore, the pH values dropped with the increasing Ca concentration treatment, and the lower pH in soils also increased Tl mobilization, which resulted in Tl accumulation in green cabbage. Therefore, this work not only informs the improvement of agricultural safety management practices for the farming of crops in Tl-polluted and high-Ca-content areas, but also provides technical support for the exploitation of Ca-assisted phytoextraction technology.

Proteomic analysis reveals molecular mechanism of Cd2+ tolerance in the leaves of halophyte Halogeton glomeratus

Halogeton glomeratus (H. glomeratus) is categorized as a halophyte, it can potentially endure not only salt but also heavy metals. The aim of this work was to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the Cd²⁺ tolerance of halophyte H. glomeratus seedlings. For that we used a combination of physiological characteristics and data-independent acquisition-based proteomic approaches. The results revealed that the significant changes of physiological characteristics of H. glomeratus occurred under approximately 0.4 mM Cd²⁺ condition and that Cd²⁺ accumulated in Cd²⁺-treated seedling roots, stems and leaves. At the early stage of Cd²⁺ stress, numerous differentially abundant proteins related to "phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase", "transmembrane transporters", and "vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein" took important roles in the response of H. glomeratus to Cd²⁺ stress. At the later stage of Cd²⁺ stress, some differentially abundant proteins involved in "alcohol-forming fatty acyl-CoA reductase", "glutathione transferase", and "abscisic acid receptor" were considered to regulate the adaptation of H. glomeratus exposed to Cd²⁺ stress. Finally, we found various detoxification-related differentially abundant proteins related to Cd²⁺ stress. These biological processes and regulators synergistically regulated the Cd²⁺ tolerance of H. glomeratus. SIGNIFICANCE: The halophyte, H.glomeratus, has a strong tolerance to salinity, also survives in the heavy metal stress. At present, there are few reports on the comprehensive characterization and identification of Cd²⁺ response and adaption related regulators in H.glomeratus. This research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of H. glomeratus tolerance to Cd²⁺ stress at proteome levels to uncover the novel insight of the Cd²⁺-related biological processes and potential candidates involved in the response and adaption mechanism. The results will help elucidate the genetic basis of this species' tolerance to Cd²⁺ stress and develop application prospect of wild genetic resources to heavy metal phytoremediation.

Exogenously applied calcium regulates antioxidative system and reduces cadmium-uptake in Fagopyrum esculentum

Calcium (Ca) being macronutrient plays a prominent role in signal transduction during various abiotic stresses. However, their involvements to alleviate heavy metal stress in plants remain evasive. In the present investigation, we found that application of exogenous Ca to Cd-stressed common buckwheat plants reversed the toxic effects of Cd by enhancing root and shoot length, biomass accumulation and reduced Cd-uptake as revealed by the translocation factor (<1), indicating more Cd is restrained in the roots. Moreover, present data also revealed that exogenous Ca significantly alleviated the Cd-induced oxidative damage by enhancing proline by 66.12% and 47.20% respectively in roots and shoots than control. The decline in the total chlorophyll content upon Ca application in Cd-treated plants was found less (38.96%) compared to buckwheat plants treated with Cd-stress alone (80.2%). APX and POD activities increased by 1.97 and 1.44 times in shoots, respectively, and increased by 2.81and 1.33 times in roots, respectively compared to the Cd-treated plants alone. The mineral content (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, P and S) that were suppressed in Cd-treated plants in both root and shoot were restored upon exogenous Ca application. Further, the correlation analysis showed significant positive correlation among proline and GSH synthesis in the Ca + Cd treatment. The correlations of Ca revealed to be positive with enhanced levels of APX and POD activity. Our data showed that exogenous application of Ca minimizes the Cd-toxicity and modulates the physiological and biochemical pathway in common buckwheat to withstand Cd-induced oxidative stress.

Hydrogen sulphide and salicylic acid regulate antioxidant pathway and nutrient balance in mustard plants under cadmium stress

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive noxious heavy metal, is a key threat to agricultural system. It is rapidly translocated and has detrimental effects on plant growth and development. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) is emerging as a potential messenger molecule for modulating plant tolerance to Cd. Salicylic acid (SA), a phenolic signalling molecule, can alleviate Cd toxicity in plants. The present study investigated the mediatory role of H₂ S (100 µM) and SA (0.5 mM), individually and in combination, in modulating antioxidant defence machinery and nutrient balance to impart Cd (50 µM) resistance to mustard. Accumulation of Cd resulted in oxidative stress (TBARS and H₂ O₂ ), mineral nutrient imbalance (N, P, K, Ca), decreased leaf gas exchange and PSII efficiency, ultimately reducing plant growth. Both H₂ S and SA independently attenuated phytotoxic effects of Cd by triggering antioxidant systems, enhancing the nutrient pool, eventually leading to improved photosynthesis and biomass of mustard plants. The positive effects were more pronounced under combined application of H₂ S and SA, indicating a synergistic relationship between these two signalling molecules in mitigating the detrimental effects of Cd on nutrient homeostasis and overall health of mustard, primarily by boosting antioxidant pathway. Our findings provide new insights into H₂ S- and SA-induced protective mechanisms in mustard plants subjected to Cd stress and suggest their combined use as a feasible strategy to confer Cd tolerance.

Ecophysiological, anatomical, and apigenin changes due to uptake and accumulation of cadmium in Matricaria chamomilla L. flowers in hydroponics

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most important heavy metals in the environment which has several effects on the morphology, physiology, and anatomy of plants. It is a mobile heavy metal that can be transferred easily into plants, thus entering into the human food chain. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) as an important medicinal plant can uptake and accumulate Cd in its root and aerial organs. In this research, the effects of different concentrations of Cd (90, 180, and 360 μM) were investigated on the growth parameters, anatomical features, and enzymatic antioxidant activities in flowers of chamomile after 7 days of exposure. The content of apigenin, a flavone compound mostly synthesizing in chamomile flowers, was also analyzed after 72 h from Cd treatment. The results showed that all concentrations of Cd reduced the length and biomass of roots and shoots, the diameter of flowers, as well as the number of pollen grains in tubular florets, while increased trichome density on the florets. Cd-treated plants showed an increase in antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX) activities. After 7 days of treatment to Cd major concentration, flowers accumulated Cd and enhanced the apigenin production with the increase of Cd contamination in hydroponic solution. This increase of apigenin is most likely due to its antioxidant and sequestering property as a resistance response to Cd excess.

Calcium and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid mitigate toxicity and alteration of gene expression associated with cadmium stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) shoots

In the aim to estimate the protective role of calcium (Ca) and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) against cadmium (Cd)-induced damage, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were exposed to 200 μM Cd stress for 6 days or 3 days then subjected to co-treatment of the metal with either 100 mM CaCl₂ or 100 μM EGTA for 3 additional days. The addition of Ca and EGTA improved seedling growth. This protecting effect was correlated to the alleviation of the metal-induced oxidative stress, exemplified by the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents. Besides, Ca and EGTA stimulated thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (NTR) activities (2.75- and 1.75-fold increase when compared to Cd-stressed, respectively) protecting, thereby, protein -SH groups from the Cd-mediated oxidation, and modulated ferredoxin (Fdx) activity to a control level. Moreover, Ca and EGTA reinstated the glutathione redox steady state, mainly via preserving a high level of glutathione reduced form (GSH). This effect coincided with the maintaining of the Cd-stimulated glutathione reductase (GR) activity and the decline of glutathione peroxidase (GPX, 43% lower than Cd-stressed shoots) activity. Ca and EGTA counteracted the inhibitory effect of Cd on the activity and gene expression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) isoenzyme and modulated the activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Overall, our results provided evidence that Ca and EGTA supplement could be a promising approach in the remediation of Cd-contaminated environment.

Immobilization of Cadmium by Molecular Sieve and Wollastonite Is Soil pH and Organic Matter Dependent

The excessive cadmium (Cd) concentration in agricultural products has become a major public concern in China in recent years. In this study, two amendments, 4A molecular sieve (MS) and wollastonite (WS), were evaluated for their potential passivation in reducing Cd uptake by amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in six soils with different properties. Results showed that the responses of amaranth biomass to these amendments were soil-property-dependent. The effects of MS and WS on soil available Cd were in turn dependent on soil and amendment properties. The application of WS and MS at a dose of 660 mg·kg⁻¹ Si produced the optimum effect on inhibiting Cd accumulation in amaranth shoots (36% and 34%, respectively) and did not affect crop yield. This was predominantly attributed to the marked increase in pH and exogenous Ca or Na, which facilitated the adsorption, precipitation, and complexation of Cd in soils. The immobilization effects of WS and MS were dependent on soil properties, where soil organic matter may have played an important role. In conclusion, MS and WS possess great potential for the remediation of Cd-contaminated acidic soils.

Impact of cadmium on forage kale (Brassica oleracea var. viridis cv "Prover") after 3-,10- and 56-day exposure to a Cd-spiked field soil

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element for living organisms and is widespread in metal-contaminated soils. As organisms which can grow up on these polluted areas, plants have some protection mechanisms against Cd issues. Among the plant kingdom, the Brassicaceae family includes species which are known to be able to tolerate and accumulate Cd in their tissues. In this study, Brassica oleracea var. viridis cv "Prover" was exposed to a range of artificially Cd-contaminated soils (from 2.5 up to 20 mg kg^-1) during 3, 10, and 56 days and the effects on life traits, photosynthesis activity, antioxidant enzymatic activities were studied. Metal accumulation was quantified, as well as DNA damage, by means of the comet assay and immunodetection of 8-OHdG levels. Globally, B. oleracea was relatively tolerant to those Cd exposures. However, comet assay and detection of 8-OHdG revealed some DNA damage but which are not significant. According to metal accumulation analysis, B. oleracea var. viridis cv Prover could be a good candidate for alternative growing in contaminated areas.

Mechanisms Regulating the Dynamics of Photosynthesis Under Abiotic Stresses

Photosynthesis sustains plant life on earth and is indispensable for plant growth and development. Factors such as unfavorable environmental conditions, stress regulatory networks, and plant biochemical processes limits the photosynthetic efficiency of plants and thereby threaten food security worldwide. Although numerous physiological approaches have been used to assess the performance of key photosynthetic components and their stress responses, though, these approaches are not extensive enough and do not favor strategic improvement of photosynthesis under abiotic stresses. The decline in photosynthetic capacity of plants due to these stresses is directly associated with reduction in yield. Therefore, a detailed information of the plant responses and better understanding of the photosynthetic machinery could help in developing new crop plants with higher yield even under stressed environments. Interestingly, cracking of signaling and metabolic pathways, identification of some key regulatory elements, characterization of potential genes, and phytohormone responses to abiotic factors have advanced our knowledge related to photosynthesis. However, our understanding of dynamic modulation of photosynthesis under dramatically fluctuating natural environments remains limited. Here, we provide a detailed overview of the research conducted on photosynthesis to date, and highlight the abiotic stress factors (heat, salinity, drought, high light, and heavy metal) that limit the performance of the photosynthetic machinery. Further, we reviewed the role of transcription factor genes and various enzymes involved in the process of photosynthesis under abiotic stresses. Finally, we discussed the recent progress in the field of biodegradable compounds, such as chitosan and humic acid, and the effect of melatonin (bio-stimulant) on photosynthetic activity. Based on our gathered researched data set, the logical concept of photosynthetic regulation under abiotic stresses along with improvement strategies will expand and surely accelerate the development of stress tolerance mechanisms, wider adaptability, higher survival rate, and yield potential of plant species.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of CaM/CML genes in Brassica napus under abiotic stress

Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are primary calcium (Ca²⁺) sensors and are involved in the regulation of plant development and stress responses by converting calcium signals into transcriptional responses, protein phosphorylation, or metabolic changes. However, the characterization and expression profiling of CaM/CML genes in Brassica napus remain limited. The present study reports that 25 BnaCaM and 168 BnaCML genes were identified in B. napus. The phylogenetics, gene structures, gene motifs, gene chromosomal locations, syntenic and Ka/Ks analysis, promoter cis-acting elements, and expression characteristics in various organs and under abiotic stress were evaluated. The phylogenetic results revealed a total of 11 subgroups, including one unique clade of CaMs distinct from CMLs. Most of group I (CaM), II, III, and X members are intron rich, while members from the other seven groups are intron-less. The majority of CaM/CML proteins have four EF-hands. Syntenic analysis showed that 91.3 % orthologous CaM/CML gene pairs between B. rapa and B. oleracea were retained as homologous gene pairs in B. napus. Ka/Ks analysis indicated that the majority of BnaCaM/CML experienced purifying selection. Expression analysis showed that BnaCaMs genes are highly and ubiquitously expressed in all of the organs and tissues examined, while distinct BnaCMLs are expressed specifically in particular organs and tissues. In total, 129 BnaCaM/CML were induced by abiotic stress and phytohormones. BnaCMLs from group IV, VI, VIII, and X were strongly induced by freezing treatment, but were not or just slightly induced by chilling treatment. The present study is the first to analyze the CaM/CML gene family in B. napus, which is useful for understanding the functions of the BnaCaM/CML in modulating plant responses to abiotic stress, especially freezing stress.

Calcium Plays a Double-Edged Role in Modulating Cadmium Uptake and Translocation in Rice

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soils poses great risks to both agricultural production and human health. Calcium (Ca) is an essential element playing a significant role in protecting plants against Cd toxicity. However, how Ca affects Cd uptake and translocation in rice is still not fully elucidated. In this study, the regulatory role of Ca in Cd uptake and upward translocation was investigated in rice at different growth stages. Our results showed that the supplement of 5 mM Ca significantly reduced Cd uptake by rice roots, because of their competition for Ca-permeable channels as an absorption site and Ca-induced downregulation of OsNRAMP1 and OsNRAMP5. However, Ca application facilitated the upward translocation of Cd by both upregulating OsHMA2 to induce xylem loading of Cd and downregulating OsHMA3 to reduce vacuolar sequestration of Cd. Such contrary results suggested a double-edged role of Ca in regulating root Cd uptake and root-to-shoot Cd translocation in rice. Although it increased Cd content in the aboveground vegetative tissues during the whole growth period, the addition of 5 mM Ca eventually decreased Cd content in rice grains at the ripening stage. All these results suggest that Ca-based amendments possess great potential for the production of low-Cd rice grains.

Calcium protects bacteria against cadmium stress via reducing nitric oxide production and increasing iron acquisition

Cadmium (Cd) is a common toxic heavy metal in the environment, and bacteria have evolved different strategies against Cd-toxicity. Here, we found that marine bacterium Bacillus sp. 98 could significantly alleviate Cd-toxicity by recruiting calcium (Ca) for reducing excessive intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and enhancing iron acquisition. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was applied to Bacillus sp. 98 after treated with Cd supplemented with or without Ca. Compared with bacterial cells treated with Cd only, the proteomic results showed that the expression level of NO synthase was markedly down-regulated, while the expression levels of NO dioxygenase, which is responsible for converting NO to nitrate, and proteins associated with iron uptake were profoundly enhanced when Ca was supplemented. Consistently, bacterial intracellular NO amount was dramatically increased after Bacillus sp. 98 was treated with Cd, and reversed to a normal level when Ca or iron was supplemented. Notably, Ca also protected bacteria against stresses from other heavy metals including Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn, and this self-protection strategy was adopted as well in zebrafish, which encourages us to develop Ca-associated products against heavy metals toxicity in the future.

Penconazole and calcium ameliorate drought stress in canola by upregulating the antioxidative enzymes

The aim of this research was to gauge the alternations in the lipid peroxidation and antioxidative enzyme activity in two cultivars (cv. RGS003 and cv. Sarigol) of canola under drought stress and drought tolerance amelioration by penconazole (PEN) and calcium (Ca). Plants were treated with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15%) without or with PEN (15 mg L-1) and Ca (15 mM). The Ca treatment prevented the negative effects of drought on fresh weight (FW) in RGS003 and Sarigol at 5 and 15% PEG respectively. Ca and PEN/Ca treatments caused significant induction in the proline content in Sarigol at 15% PEG; the latter treatment was accompanied by higher glycine betaine (GB), lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and growth recovery. Hydrogen peroxide (HO2) content in Sarigol was proportional to the severity of drought stress and all PEN, Ca and PEN/Ca treatments significantly reduced the H2O2 content. PEN and PEN/Ca caused alleviation of the drought-induced oxidative stress in RGS003. RGS003 cultivar exhibited significantly higher antioxidative enzymes activity at most levels of drought, which could lead to its drought tolerance and lower MDA content. In contrast to that of Sarigol, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with Ca and PEN/Ca treatments in RGS003 under low stress. The application of PEN and Ca induced significantly P5CS and SOD expression in RGS003 under drought stress after 24 h. Overall, these data demonstrated that PEN and Ca have the ability to enhance the tolerance against the drought stress in canola plants.

Abscisic acid-generating bacteria can reduce Cd concentration in pakchoi grown in Cd-contaminated soil

Contamination of vegetable plants with cadmium (Cd) has become a serious issue in recent years. In the present study, pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) grown in Cd-contaminated soil inoculated with abscisic acid (ABA)-generating bacteria, Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus subtilis, showed 28%-281% and 26%-255% greater biomass, and 40%-79% and 43%-77% lower Cd concentrations, respectively, than those of the control_{bacteria-free} plants. These treatments also alleviated the Cd-induced photosynthesis inhibition and oxidative damage (indicated by malondialdehyde [MDA], H₂O₂, and O₂^• -). Furthermore, the application of bacteria also remarkably improved the levels of antioxidant-related compounds (total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbate, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] activity) and nutritional quality (soluble sugar and soluble protein) in the Cd-supplied plants. Based on these results, we conclude that the application of ABA-generating bacteria might be an alternative strategy for improving the biomass production and quality of vegetable plants grown in Cd-contaminated soil.

Alleviation of cadmium-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity by calcium chloride in faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) roots

Alleviation of cadmium-induced root genotoxicity and cytotoxicity by calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) seedlings were studied. Faba bean seeds were treated with H₂O or 2% CaCl₂ for 6 h before germination. Seeds were then exposed to 0 and 50 µM CdCl₂ concentrations for 7 days. Genotoxic damaging effects of Cd was examined through the determination of the mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) in the meristem cells of faba bean roots. Similarly, effects of Cd stress on metal accumulation, total membrane lipid contents, total fatty acid composition (TFA), lipid peroxidation as indicated by malondialdehyde production, soluble protein and non-protein thiols (NP-SH) contents, hydrogen peroxide production and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) were evaluated after 7 days of Cd stress in the seedling roots. Cd stress resulted in the reduction of MI, in addition to MN formation and CA induction in the roots of non-primed seeds (treated with H₂O). Moreover, Cd induced lipid peroxidation, H₂O₂ overproduction and loss of membrane lipid amount and soluble protein content, and changes in the TFA composition in roots of faba bean seedlings. SOD activity declined, but CAT and GPX activities increased. However, seed pre-treatment with CaCl₂ attenuated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Cd on Vicia faba roots. The results showed that CaCl₂ induced reduction of Cd accumulation, improved cell membrane stability and increased the antioxidant defence systems, thus reducing and alleviating Cd genotoxicity and oxidative damage.

Transcriptome Analysis of Gene Expression Patterns Potentially Associated with Premature Senescence in Nicotiana tabacum L

Senescence affects the remobilization of nutrients and adaption of the plant to the environment. Combined stresses can result in premature senescence in plants which exist in the field. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was performed on mature leaves and leaves in three stages of premature senescence to understand the molecular mechanism. With progressive premature senescence, a declining chlorophyll (chl) content and an increasing malonaldehyde (MDA) content were observed, while plasmolysis and cell nucleus pyknosis occurred, mitochondria melted, thylakoid lamellae were dilated, starch grains in chloroplast decreased, and osmiophilic granules increased gradually. Moreover, in total 69 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in three stages of premature senescing leaves were found, which were significantly enriched in summarized Gene Ontology (GO) terms of membrane-bounded organelle, regulation of cellular component synthesis and metabolic and biosynthetic processes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis suggested that the plant hormone signal transduction pathway was significantly enriched. The common DEGs and four senescence-related pathways, including plant hormone signal transduction, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, and regulation of autophagy were selected to be discussed further. This work aimed to provide potential genes signaling and modulating premature senescence as well as the possible dynamic network of gene expression patterns for further study.

Cadmium phytoremediation potential of Brassica crop species: A review

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal released into the environment through anthropogenic activities. Phytoremediation is a green technology used for the stabilization or remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. Brassica crop species can produce high biomass under a range of climatic and growing conditions, allowing for considerable uptake and accumulation of Cd, depending on species. These crop species can tolerate Cd stress via different mechanisms, including the stimulation of the antioxidant defense system, chelation, compartmentation of Cd into metabolically inactive parts, and accumulation of total amino-acids and osmoprotectants. A higher Cd-stress level, however, overcomes the defense system and may cause oxidative stress in Brassica species due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Therefore, numerous approaches have been followed to decrease Cd toxicity in Brassica species, including selection of Cd-tolerant cultivars, the use of inorganic and organic amendments, exogenous application of soil organisms, and employment of plant-growth regulators. Furthermore, the coupling of genetic engineering with cropping may also help to alleviate Cd toxicity in Brassica species. However, several field studies demonstrated contrasting results. This review suggests that the combination of Cd-tolerant Brassica cultivars and the application of soil amendments, along with proper agricultural practices, may be the most efficient means of the soil Cd phytoattenuation. Breeding and selection of Cd-tolerant species, as well as species with higher biomass production, might be needed in the future when aiming to use Brassica species for phytoremediation.

Mediational influence of spent mushroom compost on phytoremediation of black-oil hydrocarbon polluted soil and response of Megathyrsus maximus Jacq

Ability of a plant to develop different adaptive strategies can also determine its capability for effective soil remediation. In this study, influence of spent mushroom compost (SMC) was tested on the phytoremediation of black oil hydrocarbon polluted soil and the response of Megathyrsus maximus (guinea grass). Studies were carried out in microcosm conditions by mixing different concentration of SMC viz., 10, 20, 30 and 40% in a 5 kg of contaminated soil along with control. Seeds of M. maximus was sown in tray for two weeks and allowed to grow for height of 10 cm and transplanted in to the different experimental pots. Soil nutrient, heavy metal and PAH contents were analyzed before and after the experiment. Ecophysiological and anatomical responses due to the contaminants in the soil by M. Maximus were analyzed after 120 days. Phytomass efficiency, potential photosynthesis (Amax) and contents of chlorophylls (a and b) as well as the total chlorophyll along with anatomical evaluations were recorded. Plant alone (control) reduced the soil heavy metal and PAH contents but further improvements were observed in SMC treatments, similar results were also observed as regards to the plant's phytoremediation efficiency (PE), phytomass and potential photosynthetic rates (m mol O₂ M^-2S^-1). The plant's root and shoot anatomical responses were enhanced in treatments compared to control, study infers that the treatment enhances the biostimulation and development of adaptive characteristics for M. maximus survival in contaminated soils and promotes its co-degradation of hydrocarbon. SMC supports remediation and as well enhances the anatomical evaluations, we therefore recommend the use of SMC on response of Megathyrsus maximus Jacq for remediation of petrochemical based phytoremediation.

Effects of calcium at toxic concentrations of cadmium in plants

This review provides new insight that calcium plays important roles in plant growth, heavy metal accumulation and translocation, photosynthesis, oxidative damage and signal transduction under cadmium stress. Increasing heavy metal pollution problems have raised word-wide concerns. Cadmium (Cd), being a highly toxic metal, poses potential risks both to ecosystems and human health. Compared with conventional technologies, phytoremediation, being cost-efficient, highly stable and environment-friendly, is believed to be a promising green technology for Cd decontamination. However, Cd can be easily taken up by plants and may cause severe phytotoxicity to plants, thus limiting the efficiency of phytoremediation. Various researches are being done to investigate the effects of exogenous substances on the mitigation of Cd toxicity to plants. Calcium (Ca) is an essential plant macronutrient that involved in various plant physiological processes, such as plant growth and development, cell division, cytoplasmic streaming, photosynthesis and intracellular signaling transduction. Due to the chemical similarity between Ca and Cd, Ca may mediate Cd-induced physiological or metabolic changes in plants. Recent studies have shown that Ca could be used as an exogenous substance to protect plants against Cd stress by the alleviation of growth inhibition, regulation of metal uptake and translocation, improvement of photosynthesis, mitigation of oxidative damages and the control of signal transduction in the plants. The effects of Ca on toxic concentrations of Cd in plants are reviewed. This review also provides new insight that plants with enhanced Ca level have improved resistance to Cd stress.

Cadmium and copper induced changes in growth, oxidative metabolism and terpenoids of Tanacetum parthenium

Morphological and biochemical responses of feverfew plants exposed to low (5 μM) and high (35 and 70 μM) levels of Cd or Cu were investigated. Increasing metal supply notably reduced the plant biomass. Elevated Cd and Cu levels also resulted in an increase in the leaf proline content. Besides, decrease in ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents was similar in the leaves of Cd- and Cu-treated plants, indicating altered biosynthesis of AsA and GSH under metal excess. High metal doses stimulated increase in antioxidative enzyme activities that could be related to elevated hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content and subsequent lipid peroxidation. Cd was typically more accumulated in shoots and roots than Cu, leading to higher translocation factor at high Cd doses. In terms of essential oil content, it seems that Cd had an inhibitory effect during the experiment, whereas Cu was found to stimulate it only at 5 μM. Furthermore, high Cd supply enhanced the relative proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while Cu increased the proportion of sesquiterpenes, especially at 5 μM. This result provides the first evidence of the response of feverfew plants to Cd or Cu by associating stress-related responses with changes in terpenoids.

Influences of calcium silicate on chemical forms and subcellular distribution of cadmium in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of calcium silicate (CS) on the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in grain amaranths (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. Cv. 'K112') grown in a Cd contaminated soil. Results showed that the dry weight and the photosynthetic pigments contents in grain amaranths increased significantly with the increasing doses of CS treatments, with the highest value found for the treatment of CS3 (1.65 g/kg). Compared with the control, application of CS4 (3.31 g/kg) significantly reduced Cd concentrations in the roots, stems and leaves of grain amaranths by 68%, 87% and 89%, respectively. At subcellular level, CS treatment resulted in redistribution of Cd, higher percentages of Cd in the chloroplast and soluble fractions in leaves of grain amaranths were found, while lower proportions of Cd were located at the cell wall of the leaves. The application of CS enhanced the proportions of pectate and protein integrated forms of Cd and decreased the percentages of water soluble Cd potentially associated with toxicity in grain amaranths. Changes of free Cd ions into inactive forms sequestered in subcellular compartments may indicate an important mechanism of CS for alleviating Cd toxicity and accumulation in plants.

Calcium alleviates cadmium-induced inhibition on root growth by maintaining auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis seedlings

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity has been widely studied in different plant species. However, the mechanism involved in its toxicity and the cell response to Cd has not been well established. In the present study, we investigated the possible mechanism of calcium (Ca) in protecting Arabidopsis from Cd toxicity. The results showed that 50 μM Cd significantly inhibited the seedling growth and decreased the chlorophyll content in Arabidopsis. Specifically, the primary root (PR) length was decreased but the lateral root (LR) number was increased under Cd stress. Furthermore, Cd enhanced the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and lipid peroxidation as indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Cd also altered the level and the distribution of auxin in PR tips (as evidenced by DR5::GUS and PIN:GFP reporter expression) and the expression of several putative auxin biosynthetic, catabolic, and transport pathway-related genes. Application of 3 mM Ca alleviated the inhibition of Cd on the root growth. Ca application not only led to reducing oxidative injuries but also restoring the normal auxin transport and distribution in Arabidopsis root under Cd stress. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca alleviates the root growth inhibition caused by Cd through maintaining auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis seedlings.

Citric acid assisted phytoremediation of copper by Brassica napus L

Use of organic acids for promoting heavy metals phytoextraction is gaining worldwide attention. The present study investigated the influence of citric acid (CA) in enhancing copper (Cu) uptake by Brassica napus L. seedlings. 6 Weeks old B. napus seedlings were exposed to different levels of copper (Cu, 0, 50 and 100µM) alone or with CA (2.5mM) in a nutrient medium for 40 days. Exposure to elevated Cu levels (50 and 100µM) significantly reduced the growth, biomass production, chlorophyll content, gas exchange attributes and soluble proteins of B. napus seedlings. In addition, Cu toxicity increased the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) in leaf and root tissues of B. napus. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as guaiacol peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalases (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in root and shoot tissues of B. napus were increased in response to lower Cu concentration (50µM) but increased under higher Cu concentration (100µM). Addition of CA into nutrient medium significantly alleviated Cu toxicity effects on B. napus seedlings by improving photosynthetic capacity and ultimately plant growth. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in CA-treated plants seems to play a role in capturing of stress-induced reactive oxygen species as was evident from lower level of H2O2, MDA and EL in CA-treated plants. Increasing Cu concentration in the nutrient medium significantly increased Cu concentration in in B. napus tissues. Cu uptake was further increased by CA application. These results suggested that CA might be a useful strategy for increasing phytoextraction of Cu from contaminated soils.

Investigation of the effect of phosphogypsum amendment on two Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype growth and development

The production of phosphoric acid from natural phosphate rock leads to an industrial waste called phosphogypsum (PG). About 5 tons of PG are generated per ton of phosphoric acid produced. This acidic waste (pH 2.2) is mostly disposed of by dumping into large stockpiles close to fertilizer production units, where they occupy large land areas that can cause serious environmental damages. Several attempts were made to test PG valorization via soil amendment because of its phosphate, sulphate and calcium content. The aim of the this study was to evaluate the potential use of PG as phosphate amendment in soil using two wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes (Wassilewskija and Colombia) as model plants. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 30 days, on substrates containing various PG concentrations (0%, 15%, 25%, 40% and 50%). The growth rate and physiological parameters (fresh weight, phosphate and chlorophyll content) were determined. The data revealed that 15% PG did not alter plant survival and leaf's dry weight, and the inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake by plant seemed to be efficient. However, some alterations in Chlorophyll a/Chlorophyll b ratio were noticed. Higher PG concentrations (40 and 50% PG) exhibited an enhanced negative effect on plant growth, survival and Pi uptake. These inhibitory effects of the substrates may be related to the acidity of the medium in addition to its Cd content.

Biochemical mechanisms of signaling: perspectives in plants under arsenic stress

Plants are the ultimate food source for humans, either directly or indirectly. Being sessile in nature, they are exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses because of changing climate that adversely effects their growth and development. Contamination of heavy metals is one of the major abiotic stresses because of anthropogenic as well as natural factors which lead to increased toxicity and accumulation in plants. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid toxin present in the earth crust. Due to its presence in terrestrial and aquatic environments, it effects the growth of plants. Plants can tolerate arsenic using several mechanisms like phytochelation, vacuole sequestration and activation of antioxidant defense systems. Several signaling mechanisms have evolved in plants that involve the use of proteins, calcium ions, hormones, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as signaling molecules to cope with arsenic toxicity. These mechanisms facilitate plants to survive under metal stress by activating their defense systems. The pathways by which these stress signals are perceived and responded is an unexplored area of research and there are lots of gaps still to be filled. A good understanding of these signaling pathways can help in raising the plants which can perform better in arsenic contaminated soil and water. In order to increase the survival of plants in contaminated areas there is a strong need to identify suitable gene targets that can be modified according to needs of the stakeholders using various biotechnological techniques. This review focuses on the signaling mechanisms of plants grown under arsenic stress and will give an insight of the different sensory systems in plants. Furthermore, it provides the knowledge about several pathways that can be exploited to develop plant cultivars which are resistant to arsenic stress or can reduce its uptake to minimize the risk of arsenic toxicity through food chain thus ensuring food security.

EDTA enhanced plant growth, antioxidant defense system, and phytoextraction of copper by Brassica napus L

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for normal plant growth and development, but in excess, it is also toxic to plants. The present study investigated the influence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in enhancing Cu uptake and tolerance as well as the morphological and physiological responses of Brassica napus L. seedlings under Cu stress. Four-week-old seedlings were transferred to hydroponics containing Hoagland's nutrient solution. After 2 weeks of transplanting, three levels (0, 50, and 100 μM) of Cu were applied with or without application of 2.5 mM EDTA and plants were further grown for 8 weeks in culture media. Results showed that Cu alone significantly decreased plant growth, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange characteristics. Cu stress also reduced the activities of antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) along with protein contents. Cu toxicity increased the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as indicated by the increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in both leaves and roots. The application of EDTA significantly alleviated Cu-induced toxic effects in B. napus, showing remarkable improvement in all these parameters. EDTA amendment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes by decreasing the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 both in leaves and roots of B. napus. Although, EDTA amendment with Cu significantly increased Cu uptake in roots, stems, and leaves in decreasing order of concentration but increased the growth, photosynthetic parameters, and antioxidant enzymes. These results showed that the application of EDTA can be a useful strategy for phytoextraction of Cu by B. napus from contaminated soils.

Overexpression of bacterial γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase mediates changes in cadmium influx, allocation and detoxification in poplar

Overexpression of bacterial γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase in the cytosol of Populus tremula × P. alba produces higher glutathione (GSH) concentrations in leaves, thereby indicating the potential for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation. However, the net Cd(2+) influx in association with H(+) /Ca(2+) , Cd tolerance, and the underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms are uncharacterized in these poplars. We assessed net Cd(2+) influx, Cd tolerance and the transcriptional regulation of several genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification in wild-type and transgenic poplars. Poplars exhibited highest net Cd(2+) influxes into roots at pH 5.5 and 0.1 mM Ca(2+) . Transgenics had higher Cd(2+) uptake rates and elevated transcript levels of several genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification compared with wild-type poplars. Transgenics exhibited greater Cd accumulation in the aerial parts than wild-type plants in response to Cd(2+) exposure. Moreover, transgenic poplars had lower concentrations of O2 ˙(-) and H2 O2 ; higher concentrations of total thiols, GSH and oxidized GSH in roots and/or leaves; and stimulated foliar GSH reductase activity compared with wild-type plants. These results indicate that transgenics are more tolerant of 100 μM Cd(2+) than wild-type plants, probably due to the GSH-mediated induction of the transcription of genes involved in Cd(2+) transport and detoxification.

Expression profiling reveals functionally redundant multiple-copy genes related to zinc, iron and cadmium responses in Brassica rapa

Genes underlying environmental adaptability tend to be over-retained in polyploid plant species. Zinc deficiency (ZnD) and iron deficiency (FeD), excess Zn (ZnE) and cadmium exposure (CdE) are major environmental problems for crop cultivation, but little is known about the differential expression of duplicated genes upon these stress conditions. Applying Tag-Seq technology to leaves of Brassica rapa grown under FeD, ZnD, ZnE or CdE conditions, with normal conditions as a control, we examined global gene expression changes and compared the expression patterns of multiple paralogs. We identified 812, 543, 331 and 447 differentially expressed genes under FeD, ZnD, ZnE and CdE conditions, respectively, in B. rapa leaves. Genes involved in regulatory networks centered on the transcription factors bHLH038 or bHLH100 were differentially expressed under (ZnE-induced) FeD. Further analysis revealed that genes associated with Zn, Fe and Cd responses tended to be over-retained in the B. rapa genome. Most of these multiple-copy genes showed the same direction of expression change under stress conditions. We conclude that the duplicated genes involved in trace element responses in B. rapa are functionally redundant, making the regulatory network more complex in B. rapa than in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Nickel tolerance of serpentine and non-serpentine Knautia arvensis plants as affected by arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Serpentine soils have naturally elevated concentrations of certain heavy metals, including nickel. This study addressed the role of plant origin (serpentine vs. non-serpentine) and symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant Ni tolerance. A semi-hydroponic experiment involving three levels of Ni and serpentine and non-serpentine AMF isolates and populations of a model plant species (Knautia arvensis) revealed considerable negative effects of elevated Ni availability on both plant and fungal performance. Plant growth response to Ni was independent of edaphic origin; however, higher Ni tolerance of serpentine plants was indicated by a smaller decline in the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and restricted root-to-shoot Ni translocation. Serpentine plants also retained relatively more Mg in their roots, resulting in a higher shoot Ca/Mg ratio. AMF inoculation, especially with the non-serpentine isolate, further aggravated Ni toxicity to host plants. Therefore, AMF do not appear to be involved in Ni tolerance of serpentine K. arvensis plants.

Rescue of heavy metal effects on cell physiology of the algal model system Micrasterias by divalent ions

Recent studies have shown that metals such as copper, zinc, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, iron and lead cause severe dose-dependent disturbances in growth, morphogenesis, photosynthetic and respiratory activity as well as on ultrastructure and function of organelles in the algal model system Micrasterias denticulata (Volland et al., 2011, 2012; Andosch et al., 2012). In the present investigation we focus on amelioration of these adverse effects of cadmium, chromium and lead by supplying the cells with different antioxidants and essential micronutrients to obtain insight into metal uptake mechanisms and subcellular metal targets. This seems particularly interesting as Micrasterias is adapted to extremely low-concentrated, oligotrophic conditions in its natural bog environment. The divalent ions of iron, zinc and calcium were able to diminish the effects of the metals cadmium, chromium and lead on Micrasterias. Iron showed most ameliorating effects on cadmium and chromium in short- and long-term treatments and improved cell morphogenesis, ultrastructure, cell division rates and photosynthesis. Analytical transmission electron microscopic (TEM) methods (electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI)) revealed that chromium uptake was decreased when Micrasterias cells were pre-treated with iron, which resulted in no longer detectable intracellular chromium accumulations. Zinc rescued the detrimental effects of chromium on net-photosynthesis, respiration rates and electron transport in PS II. Calcium and gadolinium were able to almost completely compensate the inhibiting effects of lead and cadmium on cell morphogenesis after mitosis, respectively. These results indicate that cadmium is taken up by calcium and iron transporters, whereas chromium appears to enter the algae cells via iron and zinc carriers. It was shown that lead is not taken up into Micrasterias at all but exerts its adverse effects on cell growth by substituting cell wall bound calcium. The antioxidants salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and glutathione were not able to ameliorate any of the investigated metal effects on the green alga Micrasterias when added to the culture medium.

Cd-induced phytochelatin synthesis in Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter is determined by the dilution of the culture medium

In this paper, we examined Cd accumulation and PC synthesis in two clones of Dittrichia viscosa, one with a metallicolous (DV-A) and the other with a non-metallicolous origin (DV-W). The clones were cultured in vitro with 0 and 10 mg Cd L(-1) in both short-term treatments (up to 72 h) and over 10 days. We also examined the influence of the culture medium dilution and the PC-synthesis inhibitor, L-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), on these parameters. Similar Cd accumulation values were found in the two clones. No synthesis of new thiolic compounds was observed in Cd-treated plants cultured in vitro in Murashige and Skoog medium up to 72 h when compared to controls. Dilution of the culture medium affected PC production, increasing it in 1/2 MS and especially in 1/4 MS. Cd uptake did not increase in the same way, but still hyperaccumulation levels were exceeded in all Cd treatments. BSO addition increased the sensitivity of D. viscosa to Cd and diminished Cd accumulation. Nevertheless, a poor correlation between PCs and Cd accumulation capacity was observed since the highest Cd content did not correspond to the highest PC levels. All these results obtained suggest that PCs are important in Cd accumulation and detoxification in D. viscosa and also that other mechanisms might be involved in these traits.

Excess Ca(2+) does not alleviate but increases the toxicity of Hg(2+) to photosystem II in Synechocystis sp. (Cyanophyta)

This study demonstrated that excess Ca(2+) increased the toxicity of Hg(2+) to PSII of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. using fast rise chlorophyll fluorescence test. Excess Ca(2+) increased the inhibitory effect of Hg(2+) on O2 evolution. Exposure to Hg(2+) caused increase in functional antenna size (ABS/RC), trapping rate of reaction center (TR0/RC), dissipated energy flux per reaction center (DI0/RC) and maximum quantum yield of non-photochemical deexcitation ( [Formula: see text] ), indicating that some reaction centers were transformed to dissipation sinks under Hg(2+) stress. Hg(2+) stress slowed down electron transport on both donor side and acceptor side and caused accumulation of P680(+). Excess Ca(2+) intensified all the Hg(2+) toxic effects on PSII function and led to dysfunction of PSII. The number of reaction centers that were transformed into dissipation sinks increased with increasing Ca(2+) concentration.

Cadmium stress responses in Brassica juncea: hints from proteomics and metabolomics

Among heavy metal stressors, cadmium (Cd) pollution is one leading threat to the environment. In this view, research efforts have been increasingly put forward to promote the individuation of phytoextractor plants that are capable of accumulating and withstanding the toxic metals, including Cd, in the aerial parts. We hereby adopted the hyperaccumulator B. juncea (Indian mustard) as a model to investigate plant responses to Cd stress at low (25 μM) and high (100 μM) doses. Analytical strategies included mass-spectrometry-based determination of Cd and the assessment of its effect on the leaf proteome and metabolome. Results were thus integrated with routine physiological data. Taken together, physiology results highlighted the deregulation of photosynthesis efficiency, ATP synthesis, reduced transpiration, and the impairment of light-independent carbon fixation reactions. These results were supported at the proteomics level by the observed Cd-dependent alteration of photosystem components and the alteration of metabolic enzymes, including ATP synthase subunits, carbonic anhydrase, and enzymes involved in antioxidant responses (especially glutathione and phytochelatin homeostasis) and the Calvin cycle. Metabolomics results confirmed the alterations of energy-generating metabolic pathways, sulfur-compound metabolism (GSH and PCs), and Calvin cycle. Besides, metabolomics results highlighted the up-regulation of phosphoglycolate, a byproduct of the photorespiration metabolism. This was suggestive of the likely increased photorespiration rate as a means to cope with Cd-induced unbalance in stomatal conductance and deregulation of CO2 homeostasis, which would, in turn, promote CO2 depletion and O2 (and thus oxidative stress) accumulation under prolonged photosynthesis in the leaves from plants exposed to high doses of CdCl2. Overall, it emerges that Cd-stressed B. juncea might rely on photorespiration, an adaptation that would prevent the over-reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and photoinhibition.

Change of Photosynthetic Gas Exchange and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of Cd-Sensitive Mutant Rice in Response to Cd Stress

The growth, photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were investigated in wild type and mutant rice plants treated with 50 μmol L-1 Cd. The results showed that plant height, dry mass, and chlorophyll content decreased by Cd treatment, and the mutant showed more severe reduction than wild type rice. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), effective PSII quantum yield (ΦPS2), and photochemical quenching (qP) were decreased and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and and non-photochemical quenching (qN) were enhanced in Cd-treated plants with the increasing of Cd exposure time, with changes in the mutant being more evident. The results suggest that Cd inhibits photosynthesis due to non-stomatal limitations and the response of PSII reaction centre and the mutant has less capacity of acclimation to Cd stress.

Exogenously applied calcium alleviates cadmium toxicity in Matricaria chamomilla L. plants

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in plants leads to serious disturbances of physiological processes, such as inhibition of chlorophyll synthesis, oxidative injury to the plant cells and water and nutrient uptake. Response of Matricaria chamomilla L. to calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) enrichment in growth medium for reducing Cd toxicity were studied in this study. Hydroponically cultured seedlings were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, and 5 mM CaCl(2), under 0, 120, and 180 μM CdCl(2) conditions, respectively. The study included measurements pertaining to physiological attributes such as growth parameters, Cd concentration and translocation, oxidative stress, and accumulation of phenolics. Addition of CaCl(2) to growth media decreased the Cd concentration, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reactive oxygen species accumulation in the plants treated with different CdCl(2), but increased the growth parameters. Malondialdehyde and total phenolics in shoots and roots were not much affected when plants were treated only with different CaCl(2) levels, but it showed a rapid increase when the plants were exposed to 120 and 180 CdCl(2) levels. CaCl(2) amendment also ameliorated the CdCl(2)-induced stress by reducing oxidative injury. The beneficial effects of CaCl(2) in ameliorating CdCl(2) toxicity can be attributed to the Ca-induced reduction of Cd concentration, by reducing the cell-surface negativity and competing for Cd(2+) ion influx, activity enhancement of antioxidant enzymes, and biomass accumulation.

Phytoremediation potential of Arabidopsis thaliana, expressing ectopically a vacuolar proton pump, for the industrial waste phosphogypsum

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a by-product of the phosphorus-fertiliser industry and represents an environmental concern since it contains pollutants such as cadmium (Cd). We have recently shown that the overexpression of a proton pump gene (TaVP1) in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) led to an enhanced Cd tolerance and accumulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants harbouring the TaVP1 gene to phytoremediate phosphogypsum. A pot experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Transgenic A. thaliana plants harbouring the TaVP1 gene were grown on various substrates containing phosphogypsum (0, 25, 50 and 100 %) for 40 days. At the end of the growth period, we examined the growth (germination, root length, fresh weight) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll and protein contents, catalase activity and proteolysis) as well as the cadmium, Mg, Ca, and P contents of the A. thaliana plants. In order to evaluate Cd tolerance of the A. thaliana lines harbouring the TaVP1 gene, an in vitro experiment was also carried out. One week-old seedlings were transferred to Murashige and Skoog agar plates containing various concentrations of cadmium; the germination, total leaf area and root length were determined. The growth and physiological parameters of all A. thaliana plants were significantly altered by PG. The germination capacity, root growth and biomass production of wild-type (WT) plants were more severely inhibited by PG compared with the TaVP1 transgenic A. thaliana lines. In addition, TaVP1 transgenic A. thaliana plants maintained a higher antioxidant capacity than the WT. Interestingly, elemental analysis of leaf material derived from plants grown on PG revealed that the transgenic A. thaliana line accumulated up to ten times more Cd than WT. Despite its higher Cd content, the transgenic A. thaliana line performed better than the WT counterpart. In vitro evaluation of Cd tolerance showed that TaVP1 transgenic A. thaliana lines were more Cd-tolerant than the WT plants. These results suggested that ectopic expression of a vacuolar proton pump in A. thaliana plants can lead to various biotechnological applications including the phytoremediation of industrial wastes.

Cd accumulation and phytostabilization potential of dominant plants surrounding mining tailings

The objectives of the present study were to compare nine dominant plant species growing in mine tailings and nonmining areas in terms of biomass and Cd concentrations and to search for Cd accumulation and tolerance. Also, more detailed experiments were conducted on Athyrium wardii using a pot experiment to assure its Cd-accumulation ability and tolerance as a potential phytostabilizer of Cd-polluted soils. Nine dominant plant species growing on Pb/Zn mine tailings and their corresponding nonmining ecotypes were investigated for their potential to phytostabilize Cd. The performance of A. wardii exposed to high levels of Cd was investigated under controlled conditions. A field study revealed that the Cd concentrations in the roots of these plants ranged from 0.21 to 251.07 mg kg(-1), and the highest concentrations were found in A. wardii, which reached a concentration of 69.78, 251.07, and 126.35 mg kg(-1) during the early growth stage (May), vigorous growth stage (August), and late growth stage (October), respectively. The Cd concentrations of roots among the nine mining ecotypes were positively correlated with available content of Cd in the rhizosphere soils, whereas a negative correlation was observed in the nonmining ecotypes. A pot experiment showed that the mining ecotype of A. wardii had a higher biomass production and Cd retention capacity in roots than that of the nonmining ecotype. Due to the relatively high tolerance to Cd and the capacity of roots to retain this metal, A. wardii may be useful for the phytostabilization of soils contaminated by Cd.

A freshwater green alga under cadmium stress: ameliorating calcium effects on ultrastructure and photosynthesis in the unicellular model Micrasterias

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal pollutant arising mainly from increasing industrial disposal of electronic components. Due to its high solubility it easily enters soil and aquatic environments. Via its similarity to calcium it may interfere with different kinds of Ca dependent metabolic or developmental processes in biological systems. In the present study we investigate primary cell physiological, morphological and ultrastructural responses of Cd on the unicellular freshwater green alga Micrasterias which has served as a cell biological model system since many years and has proved to be highly sensitive to any kind of abiotic stress. Our results provide evidence that the severe Cd effects in Micrasterias such as unidirectional disintegration of dictyosomes, occurrence of autophagy, decline in photosystem II activity and oxygen production as well as marked structural damage of the chloroplast are based on a disturbance of Ca homeostasis probably by displacement of Ca by Cd. This is indicated by the fact that physiological and structural cadmium effects could be prevented in Micrasterias by pre-treatment with Ca. Additionally, thapsigargin an inhibitor of animal and plant Ca(2+)-ATPase mimicked the adverse Cd induced morphological and functional effects on dictyosomes. Recovery experiments indicated rapid repair mechanisms after Cd stress.

Calcium deficiency increases Cd toxicity and Ca is required for heat-shock induced Cd tolerance in rice seedlings

While growing in the field, plants may encounter several different forms of abiotic stress simultaneously, rather than a single stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of calcium (Ca) deficiency on cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice seedlings. Calcium deficiency alone decreased the length, fresh and dry weight, and the Ca concentration in shoots and roots. Also, the content of glutathione (GSH), the ratio of GSH/oxidized glutathione, and the activity of catalase were lower in Ca-deficient leaves compared to control leaves. Exogenous Cd caused a decrease in the contents of chlorophyll and protein, and induced oxidative stress. Based on these stress indicators, we found that Ca deficiency enhanced Cd toxicity in rice seedlings. Under exogenous Cd application, internal Cd concentrations were higher in Ca-deficient shoots and roots than in the respective controls. Moreover, we observed that Ca deficiency decreased heat-shock (HS) induced expression of HS protein genes Oshsp17.3, Oshsp17.7, and Oshsp18.0 in leaves thereby weakening the protection system and increasing Cd stress. In conclusion, Ca deficiency enhances Cd toxicity, and Ca may be required for HS response in rice seedlings.