Effect of DA-6 and EDTA alone or in combination on uptake, subcellular distribution and chemical form of Pb in Lolium perenne

Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate reprogramed accumulations of organic metabolites associated with water balance and metabolic homeostasis in white clover under drought stress

Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) serving as a non-toxic and low-cost plant growth regulator is used for improving plant growth and stress tolerance, but the DA-6-mediated organic metabolites remodeling in relation to drought tolerance is not well documented in crops. The aims of the present study were to evaluate impacts of DA-6 on physiological functions including osmotic adjustment, photochemical efficiency, oxidative damage, and cell membrane stability as well as organic metabolites remodeling in white clover (Trifolium repens) leaves based on the analysis of metabolomics. Plants were foliarly treated with or without DA-6 and subsequently exposed to drought stress for 8 days. Results demonstrated that foliar application of DA-6 (1.5 mM) could significantly ameliorate drought tolerance, which was linked with better leaf water status, photosynthetic performance, and cell membrane stability as well as lower oxidative injury in leaves. Metabolic profiling of organic metabolites identified a total of 59 metabolites including 17 organic acids, 20 sugars, 12 alcohols, and 10 other metabolites. In response to drought stress, the DA-6 induced accumulations of many sugars and sugar alcohols (erythrulose, arabinose, xylose, inosose, galactose, talopyranose, fucose, erythritol, and ribitol), organic acids (propanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid, and galacturonic acid), and other metabolites (2-oxazoline, silane, and glycine) in white clover. These altered metabolites induced by the DA-6 could perform critical functions in maintenances of osmo-protection, osmotic adjustment, redox homeostasis, cell wall structure and membrane stability when white clover suffered from water deficit. In addition, the campesterol and stigmasterol significantly accumulated in all plants in spite of the DA-6 pretreatment under drought stress, which could be an important adaptive response to water deficit due to beneficial roles of those two metabolites in regulating cell membrane stability and antioxidant defense. Present findings provide new evidence of DA-6-regulated metabolic homeostasis contributing to drought tolerance in leguminous plants.

Plant growth regulators mitigate oxidative damage to rice seedling roots by NaCl stress

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of exogenous sprays of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and 2-Diethylaminoethyl hexanoate (DTA-6) on the growth and salt tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. This study was conducted in a solar greenhouse at Guangdong Ocean University, where 'Huanghuazhan' was selected as the test material, and 40 mg/L 5-ALA and 30 mg/L DTA-6 were applied as foliar sprays at the three-leaf-one-heart stage of rice, followed by treatment with 0.3% NaCl (W/W) 24 h later. A total of six treatments were set up as follows: (1) CK: control, (2) A: 40 mg⋅ L-1 5-ALA, (3) D: 30 mg⋅ L-1 DTA-6, (4) S: 0.3% NaCl, (5) AS: 40 mg⋅ L-1 5-ALA + 0.3% NaCl, and (6) DS: 30 mg⋅ L-1 DTA-6+0.3% NaCl. Samples were taken at 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 d after NaCl treatment to determine the morphology and physiological and biochemical indices of rice roots. The results showed that NaCl stress significantly inhibited rice growth; disrupted the antioxidant system; increased the rates of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion production; and affected the content of related hormones. Malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content, and superoxide anion production rate significantly increased from 12.57% to 21.82%, 18.12% to 63.10%, and 7.17% to 56.20%, respectively, in the S treatment group compared to the CK group. Under salt stress, foliar sprays of both 5-ALA and DTA-6 increased antioxidant enzyme activities and osmoregulatory substance content; expanded non-enzymatic antioxidant AsA and GSH content; reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; lowered malondialdehyde content; increased endogenous hormones GA3, JA, IAA, SA, and ZR content; and lowered ABA content in the rice root system. The MDA, H2O2, and O2- contents were reduced from 35.64% to 56.92%, 22.30% to 53.47%, and 7.06% to 20.01%, respectively, in the AS treatment group compared with the S treatment group. In the DS treatment group, the MDA, H2O2, and O2- contents were reduced from 24.60% to 51.09%, 12.14% to 59.05%, and 12.70% to 45.20%. In summary, NaCl stress exerted an inhibitory effect on the rice root system, both foliar sprays of 5-ALA and DTA-6 alleviated damage from NaCl stress on the rice root system, and the effect of 5-ALA was better than that of DTA-6.

Foliar application of plant growth regulators for enhancing heavy metal phytoextraction efficiency by Sedum alfredii Hance in contaminated soils: Lab to field experiments

The phytoremediation efficiency of plants in removing the heavy metals (HMs) might be influenced by their growth status and accumulation capacity of plants. Herein, we conducted a lab-scale experiment and a field try out to assess the optimal plant growth regulators (PGRs) including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)/brassinolide (BR)/abscisic acid (ABA) in improving the phytoextraction potential of Sedum alfredii Hance (S. alfredii). The results of pot experiment revealed that application of IAA at 0.2 mg/L, BR at 0.4 mg/L, and ABA at 0.2 mg/L demonstrated notable potential as optimal dosage for Cd/Pb/Zn phytoextraction in S. alfredii. The findings of subcellular level of Cd/Pb/Zn in leaves showed that IAA (0.2 mg/L), BR (0.4 mg/L) or ABA (0.2 mg/L) promoted the HMs storage in the soluble and cell wall fraction, therefore contributing HMs subcellular compartmentation. In addition, application of PGRs notably enhanced the antioxidant system (SOD, CAT, POD, APX activities) while reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA content) in S. alfredii, consequently improving HMs tolerance and growth of S. alfredii. Moreover, the results of field trial showed that application of BR, IAA, or ABA+BR substantially improved the growth of S. alfredii by inducing plants biomass and augmenting the levels of photosynthetic pigment contents. Notably, ABA+BR noticed the highest theoretical biomass by 42.9 %, followed by IAA (41.6 %), and BR (36.4 %), as compared with CK. Additionally, ABA+BR treatment showed effectiveness in removing the Cd by 103.4 %, while BR and IAA led to a significant increase of Pb and Zn removal by 239 % and 116 %, respectively, when compared with CK. Overall, the results of this study highlights that the foliar application of IAA, BR, or ABA+BR can serve as viable strategy to boosting phytoremediation efficiency of S. alfredii in contaminated soil by improving the biomass and metal accumulation in harvestable parts.

Safe utilization evaluation of two typical traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Cd-contaminated soil based on the analysis of Cd transfer and AHP model

Due to the increasing scarcity of wild resources, most traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMMs) in the market are produced via artificial cultivation. The widespread pollution of cadmium (Cd) in soil limits the safe cultivation and use of TCMMs. This study investigated Cd accumulation, distribution, and the medicinal component content under simulated field conditions to clarify the differences in the Cd absorption, transfer and detoxification mechanisms of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua and Bletilla striata, and provide the preliminary safe utilization conditions of TCMMs based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The results showed that the Cd content of P. cyrtonema Hua was lower than the safety threshold under a high soil Cd concentration of 0.91 mg/kg (Cd-L), while B. striata was safe only at a low Cd concentration of 0.25 mg/kg (CK). Cd at 0.91 mg/kg induced hormesis affecting the net increase in biomass and medicinal component content for both TCMMs, while P. cyrtonema Hua showed better potential for safe utilization. Additionally, P. cyrtonema Hua had stronger resistance to Cd stress, exhibiting superior characteristics for synergistic absorption of Cd with mineral elements, transfer to nonmedical part and safer fixation forms in subcellular components. In contrast, B. striata showed insufficient Cd tolerance, and Cd was easily accumulated in organelles to inhibit plant growth. Our findings may attract more attention to the safe cultivation of TCMMs and provide insight into guidance for the safe utilization of slightly Cd-contaminated soil.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitric oxide alleviate cadmium phytotoxicity by improving internal detoxification mechanisms of corn plants

Plants develop several external and internal mechanisms to increase their tolerance to heavy metals (HMs) toxicity including cadmium (Cd). Symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) is one of the plants' strategies to tolerate HMs toxicity. Nitric oxide (NO), as a signaling molecule, is also involved in physiological responses of plants to various stresses. The present work was conducted as a factorial completely randomized design with three replications to study the effects of Funneliformis mosseae fungi and Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 mM) as a donor of NO alone, in combination (AMF + SNP) on corn plant growth, and internal detoxification mechanisms of Cd toxicity in a Cd-contaminated calcareous soil (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg Cd kg-1). The results showed that under Cd stress, AMF inoculation and/or foliar application of SNP significantly increased plant growth (32% to 103% for shoot and 44% to 84% for root) by decreasing Cd concentration in corn plant tissues (23% to 46% for shoot and 19% to 40% for root). Cd-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by AMF and/or SNP by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatin (PC). Increasing the tolerance index (TI) and decreasing the transfer factor (TF) in the corn plants treated with AMF and/or SNP, confirm the efficient role of SNP and AMF in stimulating the detoxification mechanisms of Cd within the plant cells, which was more pronounced at the lowest Cd level (25 mg Cd kg-1). In conclusion, symbiotic associations of corn plants with AMF alone or in combination with SNP mitigated the detrimental effect of Cd toxicity in corn grown in Cd-contaminated calcareous soil. The corn's internal detoxification mechanisms lowered the Cd concentration in plant tissue which resulted in the improvement of the corn's growth parameters.

The alleviating effects and underlying mechanisms of exogenous selenium on both Sb(III) and Sb(V) toxicity in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.)

Selenium (Se) has been used to detoxify various heavy metals in plants. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of exogenous Se application on the toxicity of antimonite [Sb(III)] and antimonate [Sb(V)] in crops are still poorly understood. Therefore, the potential alleviating roles of Se on the plant growth, antioxidant system, uptake and subcellular distribution of Sb, and expression of Sb-related genes were comprehensively investigated in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) under both Sb(III) and Sb(V) stress conditions. The results showed that high concentrations of Sb(III) (100 µM) and Sb(V) (300 µM) caused a significant decrease in plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments and relative water content in rice seedlings. In contrast, the addition of Se (20 or 2 µM) improved rice growth, decreased Sb accumulation, and reduced oxidative stress in rice seedlings when exposed to 100 µM Sb(III) and 300 µM Sb(V), respectively. Furthermore, Se application could effectively improve the physiological adaptability of rice seedlings under Sb(III) and Sb(V) stress by regulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, Sb subcellular distribution and transcription levels of Sb-related genes, including in antioxidant response (OsCuZnSOD2, OsCATA and OsGSH1), detoxification (OsPCS1, OsPCS2 and OsABCC1) and Sb transport and sequestration (OsLsi1 and OsWAK11). Moreover, we also discovered that the mitigation effect of Se was dose-dependent and depended on Sb valence states. Thus, these findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying Se-Sb antagonism in rice, offering a potentially useful method for producing both safe and Se-rich crops.

Effects of mowing on Pb accumulation and transport in Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers

Bermudagrass is a perennial herb with the potential to remediate Pb pollution in soils, and it has mechanical resistance to shearing. However, the effects of mowing on Pb absorption and accumulation in bermudagrass are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of different quantities (0, 1, 2, 4 applications) of mowing treatments under 200 mg L^-1 Pb application on Pb accumulation and transport in bermudagrass and explored the related mechanisms. Compared to the Pb treatment, all of the mowing treatments greatly decreased root Pb concentration/accumulation, significantly enhanced Pb concentrations/accumulations in stubble stems and stubble leaves, and ultimately promoted Pb enrichment and transport. Of the treatments in this study, two applications of mowing best promoted Pb enrichment, and four applications of mowing best promoted Pb transport efficiency. Furthermore, mowing mediated the microdistribution and physiological patterns of Pb in bermudagrass and affected the Pb transport by changing the subcellar distribution patterns and chemical forms of Pb in various tissues. Additionally, mowing promoted the transport of all mineral elements and showed a synergistic relationship with Pb absorption and transport. The change in mineral element metabolism patterns may be an important reason why mowing promoted Pb accumulation in bermudagrass. Our study provides the first comprehensive evidence regarding mowing facilitating the absorption, accumulation and transport of Pb in bermudagrass. Moderate mowing may be an effective strategy to assist in soil Pb remediation using bermudagrass.

The role of nickel in cadmium accumulation in rice

Rice is one of the world's staple foods. Cadmium (Cd) levels in paddy soil are still increasing, and "Cd-contaminated rice" is a frequent occurrence, posing a serious threat to human health. Therefore, Cd contamination in rice is a key issue in agricultural production that needs to be addressed urgently. The Cd accumulation in rice is closely related to other elements. In this study, the impact of nickel (Ni) on the uptake and accumulation of Cd in rice was revealed, and the mechanism was discussed. Statistical analysis of field data showed that Cd concentration in rice grains decreased exponentially with increasing Ni concentration in paddy soils, which was verified by the hydroponic experiments. Under 5 μmol/L Cd exposure conditions, the addition of Ni (100 μmol/L) reduced the Cd contents in roots, stems, and leaves by 81.6 %, 60.6 %, and 65.9 %, respectively. With the presence of Ni, the amount of iron plaque decreased, and the Cd content in the iron plaque was reduced due to the competition between Ni and Cd for adsorption sites. In addition, the migration of Cd from stems to leaves was reduced. At the same time, the distribution of Cd in the cell was altered, and the concentration of Cd in the root cell walls increased with increasing Ni addition under 5 μmol/L Cd exposure. These findings highlight the critical role of Ni in inhibiting Cd accumulation in rice, and provide important information for understanding the effects of coexisting elements in Cd-contaminated soils on Cd accumulation in crops.

Chemical forms of cadmium in soil and its distribution in French marigold sub-cells in response to chelator GLDA

The use of degradable chelating agents to facilitate phytoextraction is a promising low-cost method for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. However, there are few studies on how plants and soils respond to the chelating agents. In this study, the responses of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) and soil cadmium (Cd) to the chelator tetrasodium glutamate (GLDA) was investigated in a 180 d field trial. Five GLDA treatments (0, 292.5, 585, 1170, and 2340 kg hm-2) were carried out in a Cd-contaminated soil (0.47 mg kg-1) under French marigold plantation. The results showed that the application of GLDA promoted the transformation of other forms of Cd in soil to exchangeable state, and the exchangeable Cd and Fe-Mn oxide bound state increased by 42.13% and 32.97% (p < 0.05), respectively. The cell wall Cd accumulations significantly increased 9.39% (p < 0.05) and the percentages of soluble fractions increased by 460.33% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, increases occurred in soil pH, as well as DOC and DTPA-Cd contents with increasing the total amount of GLDA. The composite application of GLDA (2340 kg hm-2) with French marigold reduced the total soil Cd content by 7.59% compared with the soil background. Altogether, results of this study suggested that the application of GLDA can effectively activate soil Cd and enhance the capability of French marigold for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Enhanced Adaptability to Limited Water Supply Regulated by Diethyl Aminoethyl Hexanoate (DA-6) Associated With Lipidomic Reprogramming in Two White Clover Genotypes

Membrane lipid reprogramming is one of the most important adaptive strategies in plant species under unfavorable environmental circumstances. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6), a novel synthetic plant growth regulator, on oxidative damage, photosynthetic performance, changes in lipidomic profile, and unsaturation index of lipids in two white clover (Trifolium repens) cultivars (drought-sensitive "Ladino" and drought-resistant "Riverdel") under PEG-6000-induced water-deficit stress. Results revealed that water-deficit stress significantly enhanced oxidative damage and decreased photosynthetic functions in both cultivars. However, the damage was less in Riverdel. In addition, water-deficit stress significantly decreased the relative content of monogalactocyl-diacylglycerols (MGDG), sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerols (SQDG), phosphatidic acisd (PA), phosphatidyl-ethanolamines (PE), phosphatidyl-glycerols (PG), phosphatidyl-serines (PS), ceramides (Cer), hexosylmonoceramides (Hex1Cer), sphingomyelins (SM), and sphingosines (Sph) in both cultivars, but a more pronounced decline was observed in Ladino. Exogenous application of DA-6 significantly increased the relative content of digalactocyl-diacylglycerols (DGDG), monogalactocyl-diacylglycerolsabstra (MGDG), sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerols (SQDG), phosphatidic acids (PA), phosphatidyl-ethanolamines (PE), phosphatidyl-glycerols (PG), phosphatidyl-inositols (PI), phosphatidyl-serines (PS), ceramides (Cer), hexosylmonoceramides (Hex1Cer), neutral glycosphingolipids (CerG2GNAc1), and sphingosines (Sph) in the two cultivars under water-deficit stress. DA-6-treated Riverdel exhibited a significantly higher DGDG:MGDG ratio and relative content of sphingomyelins (SM) than untreated plants in response to water deficiency. Furthermore, the DA-6-pretreated plants increased the unsaturation index of phosphatidic acids (PA) and phosphatidylinositols (PI) in Ladino, ceramides (Cer) and hexosylmonoceramides (Hex1Cer) in Riverdel, and sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerols (SQDG) in both cultivars under water stress. These results suggested that DA-6 regulated drought resistance in white clover could be associated with increased lipid content and reprogramming, higher DGDG:MGDG ratio, and improved unsaturation index of lipids, contributing to enhanced membrane stability, integrity, fluidity, and downstream signaling transduction.

Selenium alleviates toxicity in Amaranthus hypochondriacus by modulating the synthesis of thiol compounds and the subcellular distribution of cadmium

As a beneficial element, Selenium (Se) reduces toxic cadmium (Cd) absorption in many crops, but the effects of Se on Cd hyperaccumulator plants are unclear. This study examined the effects of Se on Amaranthus hypochondriacus (K472). The results showed that Se increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced Cd concentrations and toxicity, restored cell viability, and enhanced photosynthesis; these effects increased the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves by 59.87%, 53.85%, 44.19%, respectively, and these values exceeded the biomass of roots and stems in untreated control plants by 56.69% and 15.37%, respectively. Moreover, Se promoted PC synthesis, stably chelated Cd in the form of PC3 and PC4 and transported PC-Cd to vacuoles. Furthermore, Se protected organelles and reduced Cd migration by increasing Cd levels in cell walls and vacuoles. Interestingly, although the Cd content in K472 was decreased, Se maintained the total extracted Cd concentrations and its remediation efficiency by improving biomass and increased tolerance to Cd by approximately 5 times. The experimental results provide novel insights and methods for mitigating toxicity, promoting growth, and broadening the engineering application scope of K472; these results also provide a theoretical basis for further application of Se in soil with high Cd concentrations.

Co-application of indole-3-acetic acid/gibberellin and oxalic acid for phytoextraction of cadmium and lead with Sedum alfredii Hance from contaminated soil

Exogenous application of plant-growth promoting substances in combination with chelators is a common way to enhance the phytoextraction of heavy metals. A pot experiment was used to explore the influences of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)/gibberellin (GA₃) alone or together with oxalic acid (OA) on the growth, physiological response, and nutrient contents of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance, and cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) phytoextraction efficiency. The results showed that a foliar spray of IAA/GA₃ alone or together with OA increased plant growth. The largest shoot biomass with increase by 29.7% was produced by the 50 μmol L^-1 IAA combined with 2.5 mmol kg^-1 OA (50I+2.5OA) treatment as compared with the control treatment (CK). The presence of IAA and GA₃ enhanced the chlorophyll a, carotenoid, and potassium contents in leaves and decreased the malondialdehyde content. The Cd content in leaf and the translocation factor (TF_shoot) value from 50I+2.5OA treatment was increased by 4.29% and 21.4%, and the Pb content in stem and shoot, and the TF_shoot of Pb after applying 50 μmol L^-1 GA₃ combined with 2.5 mmol kg^-1 OA was enhanced by 32.5%, 13.4%, and 57.6%, compared with CK, respectively. The optimal Cd and Pb phytoextraction efficiency occurred from 50I+2.5OA treatment with increase by 82.4% and 79.3% as compared with CK, respectively. Therefore, the results showed that a combined application of 50 μmol L^-1 IAA and 2.5 mmol kg^-1 OA could effectively enhance S. alfredii Hance phytoremediation of Cd and Pb co-contaminated soil.

Accumulation and subcellular distribution of cadmium in rygegrass induced by Aspergillus niger TL-F2 and Aspergillus flavus TL-F3

Although plant growth-promoting fungi can greatly accelerate the ryegrass bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), the underlying mechanisms are not yet well documented. Therefore, we performed a 20-days hydroponic experiment to investigate the effects of Aspergillus niger TL-F2 (A. niger TL-F2) and Aspergillus flavus TL-F3 (A. flavus TL-F3) on accumulation/subcellular distribution of Cd by annual ryegrass Dongmu 70 at different Cd concentrations (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L^-1). Results indicated that both fungal strains promoted ryegrass biomass/growth by about 60%. Furthermore, we found that ryegrass roots (17.8-37.1 μg pot^-1) had a significantly higher capability for Cd uptake than the shoots (1.66-5.45 μg pot^-1) (p < 0.05). Of total Cd in ryegrass plants, 44-67% was in soluble form, 24-37% was in cell wall, and 8.5-25.5% was in organelles. Compared with non-fungus ryegrass, cell wall and soluble Cd fractions in fungus-inoculated roots increased and decreased by 13.5-44% and 21.5-26.4%, respectively. Besides, fungus inoculation generally increased the content of cell wall and soluble Cd fractions in ryegrass shoots. Altogether, the study concludes that inoculation of fungus in ryegrass is a promising approach to improve phytoremediation of Cd contaminated environments.Novelty statement Previous study by Han et al. (2018) examined the resistance of ryegrass plant to Cd stress after its inoculation with Aspergillus aculeatus. In this study, using a hydroponic experiment, we examined the effects of co-application of two species of Aspergillus fungi. i.e. A. niger TL-F2 and A. flavus TL-F3 on ryegrass growth/biomass, Cd absorption by ryegrass shoots and roots, and subcellular distribution of Cd in ryegrass roots and shoots.

Exogenous DA-6 Improves the Low Night Temperature Tolerance of Tomato Through Regulating Cytokinin

Low night temperature (LNT) causes environmental stress and has a severe and negative impact on plant growth and productivity. Synthetic elicitors can regulate plant growth and induce defense mechanisms from this type of stress. Here, we evaluated the effect of the exogenous growth regulator diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) in tomato leaf response to LNT stress. Our results showed that exogenous DA-6 activates the expression of chlorophyll synthesis and photosystem-related genes, and results in higher photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll production. Furthermore, DA-6 can regulate the synthesis of endogenous cytokinin (CTK) and the expression of decomposition genes to stabilize chloroplast structure, reduce oxidative damage, and maintain the photochemical activity of tomato leaves under LNT stress. DA-6 maintains a high level of ABA content and induces the expression of CBF genes, indicating that DA-6 may participate in the cold response signaling pathway and induce the expression of downstream low temperature response genes and accumulation of compatible osmolytes. This study unravels a mode of action by which plant growth regulators can improve low temperature tolerance and provides important considerations for their application to alleviate the harmful effects of cold stress.

Contrasting impacts of mobilisation and immobilisation amendments on soil health and heavy metal transfer to food chain

Heavy metal mobilisation or immobilisation have been widely applied in situ for soil remediation. However, the consequences of the mobilisation or immobilisation amendments on soil health and heavy metal transfer are rarely compared. In this study, four mobilisation additives (EDTA, humic acid, oxalic acid and citric acid) and four immobilisation additives (calcium silicate, lime, biochar and pig manure) were applied in soils contaminated with Cd, Zn, and Pb to investigate their effects on soil microbial and nematode communities, chemical speciation of metals in Amaranthus tricolour L., and metal food chain transfer in soil-plant-insect system. We found that mobilisation amendments inhibited plant growth and EDTA reduced microbial biomass indicated by phospholipid fatty acids. In contrast, immobilisation amendments promoted plant growth. However, abundances of microbe and nematode were reduced by calcium silicate and lime, while they were substantially increased by biochar and pig manure. We also realised that the immobilisation amendments shifted the water-soluble and pectate-/protein-associated fractions to phosphate-/oxalate-associated fractions of metals in plant leaves, enhanced detoxification ability of Prodenia litura larvae, and reduced metal transfer along food chain. However, opposite changes were observed in mobilisation treatments. According to redundancy analysis, we found that the addition of biochar or pig manure improved soil health and function by reducing metal availability and increasing soil available N and P concentrations. Our results indicate that organic immobilisation amendments most effectively improve soil health and reduce metal transfer, and should be recommended for remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

Synergistic effect of silicon and selenium on the alleviation of cadmium toxicity in rice plants

Silicon (Si) and selenium (Se), two beneficial elements that alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity, are important for agricultural production and human health. However, the effects and related mechanisms of Si-Se interaction on Cd toxicity alleviation are still poorly understood. Herein, a hydroponic experiment was employed to evaluate the effects of Si and Se alone and together, on the growth, Cd content, and biochemical parameters of Cd-treated rice plants. The results revealed that both Si and Se can effectively alleviate Cd toxicity, and a strong synergistic effect of Si and Se was observed. Simultaneous use of Si and Se significantly promoted rice plant growth, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both the roots and shoots, and reduced Cd translocation factor leading to a significant 73.2 % decrease in shoot Cd content. Additionally, Si-Se interaction increased glutathione (GSH) content, phytochelatin (PC) content and Cd distribution in root cell walls and organelles. Furthermore, the relative expression of OsHMA2 was down-regulated, while those of OsNramp1 and OsMHA3 were up-regulated. The above findings suggest that synergistic effect of Si and Se on Cd toxicity amelioration occurs mainly via regulating gene expression, sequestering Cd in the root cell walls and organelles, and reducing Cd transfer to the shoots.

Reducing Cd accumulation in rice grain with foliar application of glycerol and its mechanisms of Cd transport inhibition

Excessive cadmium (Cd) in rice grain has become a major global public health problem. Here, the effect of foliar glycerol application on Cd accumulation in brown rice was examined. Various spraying concentrations of glycerol between 0.4mM and 50mM were investigated and the results showed that 0.8 mM was the best application concentration for decreasing Cd content in brown rice. After different application period experiment, filling stage was considered as the optimal spraying time. 0.4mM-5mM glycerol application one time at the filling stage could significantly reduce Cd concentration in brown rice by 28.5%-60.4%. Cd transport factors (the ratio of brown rice and flag leaf/node) were decreased by 48.5% and 27.3%, respectively, with glycerol application. Glycerol application also significantly increased Cd concentration in soluble fraction in flag leaf while reduced inorganic Cd and water-soluble Cd in both flag leaf and stem. Our results showed foliar spraying glycerol inhibited Cd transport to brown rice through Cd compartmentalisation in the vacuole and transformation of cadmium chemical form. This study may provide a new method to effectively alleviate the problem of excessive Cd in rice.

The effect of Funneliformis mosseae on the plant growth, Cd translocation and accumulation in the new Cd-hyperaccumulator Sphagneticola calendulacea

The screening and identification of hyperaccumulators is the key to the phytoremediation of soils contaminated by heavy metal (HM). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) can improve plant growth and tolerance to HM; therefore, AMF-assisted phytoextraction has been regarded as a potential technique for the remediation of HM-polluted soils. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to determine whether Sphagneticola calendulacea is a Cd-hyperaccumulator and to investigate the effect of the AMF-Funneliformis mosseae (FM) on plant growth and on the accumulation, subcellular distribution and chemical form of Cd in S. calendulacea grown in soils supplemented with different Cd levels. At 25, 50 and 100 mg Cd kg^-1 level, S. calendulacea showed high Cd tolerance, the translocation factor and the bioconcentration factor exceeded 1, and accumulation of more than 100 mg Cd kg^-1 was observed in the aboveground parts of the plant, meeting the requirements for a Cd-hyperaccumulator. Moreover, FM colonization significantly increased both biomasses and Cd concentration in S. calendulacea. After FM inoculation, the Cd concentrations and proportions increased in the cell walls, but exhibited no significant change in the organelles of the shoots. Meanwhile, FM symbiosis contributed to the conversion of Cd from highly toxic chemical forms (extracted by 80% ethanol and deionized water) to less toxic chemical forms (extracted by 1 M NaCl, 2% acetic acid, 0.6 M HCl) of Cd in the shoots. Overall, S. calendulacea is a typical Cd-hyperaccumulator, and FM symbiosis relieved the phytotoxicity of Cd and promoted plant growth and Cd accumulation, and thus greatly increasing the efficiency of phytoextraction for Cd-polluted soil. Our study provides a theoretical basis and application guidance for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil by the symbiont of S. calendulacea with FM.

The hybridization between Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski and Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski improved the tolerance of hybrid to cadmium stress

Hybridization is common between invasive and native species and may be accompanied by invasive evolution. The hybrid of Sphagneticola trilobata (alien invasive species) and Sphagneticola calendulacea (indigenous congener) was found in South China. According to previous studies, the hybrid performed weak environmental adaptability in comparison with parents. However, based on the results from this study, the hybridization significantly improved the tolerance of the hybrid to cadmium (Cd) stress (200 μmol L^-1). Under Cd stress, the hybrid lines showed lowest level of oxidative damage and the highest level of photosynthetic efficiency. Compared with the parents, the hybrid utilized more active detoxification strategies, such as the cell walls of the leaves and roots adsorbed 88% and 95% Cd, respectively, reducing the amount of Cd entering cells; moreover, most of the Cd that entered cells was transformed into less toxic chemical forms through the reduction of the highly toxic chemical forms; furthermore, it accumulated a large number of phytochelatins to bind Cd²⁺ and reduced the damage of organelles by Cd²⁺. The results demonstrate that hybridization between S. trilobata and S. calendulacea improved the adaptability of the new hybrid species to Cd stress and may pose a greater threat to the survival of the native parent species in the presence of serious water and soil pollution.

Translocation and accumulation of cadmium and lead in the tissues of 39 rape cultivars grown in a polluted farmland

To investigate the differences in cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) uptake and translocation among rape cultivars and genotypes and select suitable rape cultivars for both safe production and soil remediation, a field experiment was carried out with 39 rape cultivars of three genotypes on a farmland polluted with Cd and Pb in eastern Hunan Province, China. The Cd and Pb contents in rape tissues were measured, and the amount of Cd and Pb removed was calculated. The results showed that Cd in rape plants accumulated mostly in stems, while Pb accumulated mostly in roots. The Cd accumulation in various rape tissues followed the sequence stem > root > husk > rapeseed, while the Pb accumulation followed the sequence root > stem > husk > rapeseed. The total Cd and Pb removed by planting rape were 4.50-23.6 g ha^-1 and 5.85-13.7 g ha^-1, respectively, and the Cd and Pb contents in rapeseeds were in the range 0.11-0.47 mg kg^-1 and 0.03-0.84 mg kg^-1, respectively. Only the Pb content in rapeseed of "Youyan 9" exceeded the limit of the maximum levels of contaminants in foods (GB2762-2017, Pb ≤ 0.2 mg kg^-1). In this experiment, the roots of most rape cultivars showed a greater capacity for Cd transport, while the stems showed a greater capacity for Pb transport. Except for the TF_stem-husk for Cd, there were no significant differences in the TFs and BAFs of 39 rape cultivars, and clear variations in Cd content were found in the stems of the three genotypes, while there was no significant difference in the Cd and Pb contents in the other tissues. In the farmland polluted with Cd and Pb, planting "Xiangzayou 695" and "Youyan 2013" not only reduced soil pollution but also allowed the production of safe rapeseed.

Different strategies for lead detoxification in dwarf bamboo tissues

Dwarf bamboo Sasa argenteostriata (Regel) E.G. Camus is considered as potential plants for metal phytoremediation in previous filed observations. However, the mechanisms of lead (Pb) detoxification has not been described. The objective of this study was to explore the difference strategies or mechanisms of Pb detoxification in plant tissues. In this regard, four Pb treatments with hydroponics including 0 (control), 300, 600, and 900 mg L^-1 were conducted to examine subcellular compartmentalization, Pb accumulation/species and antioxidant-assisted chelation. Our findings showed the retention of Pb by the whip-root system is one of its detoxification mechanisms to avoid damage the shoots. In addition, the cell wall retention is the dominant detoxification strategy of whips, new roots, old roots and new/old stems, while vacuolar compartmentalization is for new/old leaves. Interestingly, four low-mobility/-toxicity Pb species (i.e., FNaCl, FHAc, FHCl and FR) are distributed in roots, whips and stems, while two high-mobility/-toxicity Pb species (FE and FW) in leaves. The conversion of Pb to low-toxicity/-migration is a Pb-detoxification strategy in roots, whips and stems but not in leaves. Besides, the new/old roots and leaves can alleviate Pb damage through the synthesis of non-protein thiol, glutathione and phytochelatins. Among these, phytochelatins play a leading role in the detoxification in new/old roots, while glutathione is in new/old leaves. This study provides the first comprehensive evidence regarding the different strategies for Pb detoxification in dwarf bamboo tissues from physiological to cellular level, supporting that this plant could be rehabilitated for phytoremediation in Pb-contaminated media.

Enhanced Phytoextraction for Co-contaminated Soil with Cd and Pb by Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three additives - citric acid (CA), polyaspartic acid (PASP), and FeCl₃ - on the phytoextraction efficiency of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) from artificially contaminated soils with different heavy metal concentrations. The results showed that as the concentration of pollutants increased, the TI (tolerance index) and BCF (bio-concentration factor) of ryegrass gradually increased only when FeCl₃ was applied. FeCl₃ also exhibited the most significant biomass enhancement and heavy metal accumulation of ryegrass, as well as the highest phytoextraction efficiency in heavily-polluted soils. The overall orders of the optimal phytoextraction efficiency for the three additives in terms of their MER (metal extraction ratio) were: FeCl₃ > PASP > CA. Therefore, FeCl₃ can be used to improve the Cd and Pb phytoextraction efficiency of ryegrass in heavily-polluted soils.

Intermittent lead-induced stress on antioxidant enzyme activity and subcellular distribution of Pb in Pogonatherum crinitum seedlings

Pogonatherum crinitum is a promising lead (Pb) hyperaccumulator due to its high Pb tolerance and accumulation ability. However, the mechanisms that support Pb accumulation and tolerance in P. crinitum are not yet clearly understood. An indoor hydroponic experiment was conducted by cultivating P. crinitum seedlings exposed to intermittent Pb stress for 60 days, divided into four stages (T1, T2, T3 and T4), with a 15-day duration per stage. The following concentrations of Pb were used: 0, 500, 0, 500 mg·l^-1 and 0, 1000, 0, 1000 mg·l^-1 ). Antioxidant enzyme activity, Pb concentration and subcellular distribution of Pb were measured at each of the above stages. The results showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in shoots, and SOD, peroxidase (POD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity in shoots and roots significantly increased from T1 (no Pb stress) to T2 (Pb stress) in both 500 mg·l^-1 and 1000 mg·l^-1 treatments; however, no significant difference was noted between stages T3 (no Pb stress) and T4 (Pb stress). There was no obvious effect of Pb stress on catalase (CAT) activity in shoots and roots among different stages. The Pb concentration in shoots was up to 5090.90 mg·kg^-1 and 7573.57 mg·kg^-1 , and the bioconcentration factor (BFC) was 10.18 and 7.57 for the 500 mg·l^-1 and 1000 mg·l^-1 treatments, respectively, which confirmed the Pb hyperaccumulator characteristics of P. crinitum. For plants under Pb stress, most of the Pb was fixed in the cell walls, with a smaller amount in leaves and root vacuoles. Both SOD and POD scavenging of reactive oxygen radicals and fixing and compartmentalisation of Pb in the cell wall might play important roles in detoxification of P. crinitum seedlings in response to Pb stress. There was no phased response of P. crinitum to intermittent Pb stress and the physiological response to Pb stress may be contiguous.

The effects of EDTA on plant growth and manganese (Mn) accumulation in Polygonum pubescens Blume cultured in unexplored soil, mining soil and tailing soil from the Pingle Mn mine, China

The effects of water-extractable Mn concentration, bioaccumulation factor (BAF), translocation factor (TF), and Mn uptake by Polygonum pubescens Blume cultured in the unexplored soil, mining soil and tailing soil from the Pingle Mn mine in China were quantified in a pot experiment to determine the effects of EDTA exposure on the success of phytoremediation. The results showed that EDTA significantly (P < 0.05) increased the water-extractable Mn concentration, and soils with different amounts of artificial disturbances had different responses to EDTA exposure. Low and medium EDTA concentrations might have positive effect on plant growth of P. pubescens cultured in the unexplored soil, as indicated by comparable increases in biomass, plant height and photosynthetic pigment content, but opposite results were found with high EDTA concentrations exposure. EDTA exposure had a negative effect on the growth of P. pubescens cultured in the mining soil and tailing soil. In general, the concentration of Mn in different tissues significantly (P < 0.05) increased as the EDTA concentration increased in each soil. The efficacy of Mn remediation by P. pubescens was enhanced in all three soils, with all EDTA treatments.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alleviate Cd phytotoxicity by altering Cd subcellular distribution and chemical forms in Zea mays

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) can relieve Cd phytotoxicity and improve plant growth, but the mechanisms involved in this process have still been not completely known. In the present work, a pot experiment was conducted to examine productions of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs), and absorption, chemical forms and subcellular distribution of Cd in maize (Zea mays) inoculated with or without AMF (Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) and Glomus versiforme (Gv)) in Cd-amended soils (0, 1 and 5 mg Cd kg^-1 soil). In general, both Ri and Gv inoculation dramatically enhanced biomass production and reduced Cd concentrations in shoots and roots of maize when compared to the non-mycorrhizal treatment. Moreover, both Ri and Gv symbiosis obviously increased contents of GSH and PCs, both in shoots and roots. Subcellular distribution of Cd in maize indicated that most of Cd (more than 90%) was accumulated in cell wall and soluble fraction. In addition, Cd proportions in soluble fractions in shoots of maize inoculated with Gv or Ri were considerably increased, but reduced in cell wall fractions compared to non-mycorrhizal maize, indicating that mycorrhizal symbiosis promoted Cd transfer to vacuoles. Furthermore, proportions of Cd in inorganic and water-soluble forms were declined, but elevated in pectates and proteins-integrated forms in mycorrhizal maize, which suggested that Gv and Ri could convert Cd into inactive forms. These observations could provide a further understanding of potential Cd detoxification mechanism in maize inoculated with AMF.

Effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and biochar on Cu accumulation and subcellular partitioning in Amaranthus retroflexus L

Phytoremediation combined with amendments and stabilization technologies are two crucial methods to deal with soil contaminated with heavy metals. Copper (Cu) contamination in soil near Cu mines poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and biochar (BC) on the accumulation and subcellular distribution of Cu in Amaranthus retroflexus L. to demonstrate the remediation mechanism of EDTA and BC at the cellular level. The role of calcium (Ca) in response to Cu stress in A. retroflexus was also elucidated. We designed a pot experiment with a randomized block of four Cu levels (0, 100, 200, 400 mg kg^-1) and three treatments (control, amendment with EDTA, and amendment with BC). The subcellular components were divided into three parts (cell walls, organelles, and soluble fraction) by differential centrifugation. The results showed that EDTA amendment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of Cu in root cell walls and all subcellular components of stems and leaves (cell walls, organelles, and the soluble fraction). EDTA amendment significantly increased (p < 0.05) the proportion of exchangeable fraction and carbonate fraction in the soil. While BC amendment significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of Cu in root cell walls and the root soluble fraction, it had no significant effects on Cu concentrations in the subcellular components of stems and leaves. The results revealed that EDTA mainly promoted the transfer of Cu to aboveground parts and accumulation in subcellular components of stems and leaves, while BC mainly limited Cu accumulation in root cell walls and the root soluble fraction. Ca concentrations in cell walls of roots, stems, and leaves increased as the Cu stress increased in all treatment groups, indicating that Ca plays an important role in relieving Cu toxicity in Amaranthus retroflexus L.

DA-6 promotes germination and seedling establishment from aged soybean seeds by mediating fatty acid metabolism and glycometabolism

Soybean seeds contain higher concentrations of oil (triacylglycerol) and fatty acids than do cereal crop seeds, and the oxidation of these biomolecules during seed storage significantly shortens seed longevity and decreases germination ability. Here, we report that diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6), a plant growth regulator, increases germination and seedling establishment from aged soybean seeds by increasing fatty acid metabolism and glycometabolism. Phenotypic analysis showed that DA-6 treatment markedly promoted germination and seedling establishment from naturally and artificially aged soybean seeds. Further analysis revealed that DA-6 increased the concentrations of soluble sugars during imbibition of aged soybean seeds. Consistently, the concentrations of several different fatty acids in DA-6-treated aged seeds were higher than those in untreated aged seeds. Subsequently, quantitative PCR analysis indicated that DA-6 induced the transcription of several key genes involved in the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol to sugars in aged soybean seeds. Furthermore, the activity of invertase in aged seeds, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to form fructose and glucose, increased following DA-6 treatment. Taken together, DA-6 promotes germination and seedling establishment from aged soybean seeds by enhancing the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol and the conversion of fatty acids to sugars.

Distribution and transformation of lead in rice plants grown in contaminated soil amended with biochar and lime

This study aimed to investigate the effects of rice straw biochar and lime (RBL) on the remediation of lead (Pb)-contaminated soil and mitigation of Pb translocation in rice plants by using pot experiments. Lead-contaminated soil collected from a farmland near a Pb-zinc (Zn) mine, biochar, limestone powder, and indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) were used in the present study. The experimental treatments included: (1) control (CK), (2) 2.5% biochar (RB1), (3) 5% biochar (RB2), (4) 0.6% lime (L1), (5) 1.2% lime (L2), (6) 2.5% biochar + 0.6% lime (RBL1), and (7) 2.5% biochar + 1.2% lime (RBL2). The results revealed that the treatment with RBL was more efficient than the treatment with only biochar or lime in decreasing CaCl₂-extractable Pb content in the soil by increasing soil pH and soluble sulfate content in the soil. Treatment with RBL reduced in the accumulation of Pb in the shoot of rice plants, this was mainly attributed to the decrease in the concentration of available Pb in the soil. The RBL2 treatment not only decreased the concentration of Pb in brown rice by 84.33% and Pb distribution in rice embryo, but also increased rice yield by 53.38% from that of the control. Further, unlike biochar treatment, RBL and lime treatments decreased the translocation of Pb in rice plants. The RBL treatment increased the proportion of Pb distributed in the cell wall and reduced the mobility of Pb in plant tissues. Thus, application of biochar and lime in combination is more effective than their individual application in reducing the availability of Pb in the soil and Pb accumulation in brown rice.

Improvement of the phytoremediation efficiency of Neyraudia reynaudiana for lead-zinc mine-contaminated soil under the interactive effect of earthworms and EDTA

Slow plant growth, low biomass, and low bioavailability of heavy metals in soil are important factors that limit remediation efficiencies. This study adopted a pot cultivation method to evaluate the phytoremediation efficiency of Neyraudia reynaudiana, planted in contaminated soil from a lead-zinc mining area. The soil was inoculated with earthworms (Eisenia fetida), and mixed with the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) one month after planting. The addition of earthworms significantly increased the aboveground biomass of N. reynaudiana and activated heavy metals in the soil, thus facilitating heavy metal uptake by N. reynaudiana. The addition of EDTA significantly increased the incorporation and transport of heavy metals, reduced the uptake of heavy metals by the plant cell wall, and increased the proportions of cellular soluble constituents. Especially with regard to lead, inoculation with earthworms and EDTA application significantly promoted the accumulation efficiency of N. reynaudiana, increasing it 7.1-16.9-fold compared to the control treatment without earthworms and EDTA, and 1.5-2.3-fold compared to a treatment that only used EDTA.

Lead phytoextraction from printed circuit computer boards by Lolium perenne L. and Medicago sativa L

This work assessed the ability of Lolium perenne and Medicago sativa for extracting lead (Pb) from particulate printed circuit computer boards (PCB) mixed in sand with the following concentrations: 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g of PCB, and including a control treatment without PCB. The PCB were obtained from computers, and grinded in two particle sizes: 0.0594 mm (PCB1) and 0.0706 mm (PCB2). The PCB particle sizes at their corresponding concentrations were applied to L. perenne and M. sativa by using three experimental assays. In assay II, PCB2 affected the biomass production for both plants. For assay III, the PCB1 increased the biomass of M. sativa (236.5%) and L. perenne (142.2%) when applying either 0.5 or 1.0 g, respectively. In regards to phytoextraction, assay I showed the highest Pb-extraction by roots of L. perenne (4.7%) when exposed to 1.5 g of PCB1. At assay I, L. perenne showed a Pb-bioconcentration factor higher than 1.0 when growing at 0.5 g of PCB1, and when HNO₃ was used as digestion solution; moreover, in assay III both plants showed a Pb-translocation factor higher than 1.0. Therefore, Lolium perenne and Medicago sativa are able to recover Pb from electronic wastes (PCB).

Phytoextraction of contaminated urban soils by Panicum virgatum L. enhanced with application of a plant growth regulator (BAP) and citric acid

Lead (Pb) contamination in soil represents a threat to human health. Phytoextraction has gained attention as a potential alternative to traditional remediation methods because of lower cost and minimal soil disruption. The North American native switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) was targeted due to its ability to produce high biomass and grow across a variety of ecozones. In this study switchgrass was chemically enhanced with applications of the soil-fungicide benomyl, chelates (EDTA and citric acid), and PGR to optimize phytoextraction of Pb and zinc (Zn) from contaminated urban soils in Atlanta, GA. Exogenous application of two plant hormones was compared in multiple concentrations to determine effects on switchgrass growth: indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and Gibberellic Acid (GA₃), and one PGR benzylaminopurine (BAP), The PGR BAP (1.0 μM) was found to generate a 48% increase in biomass compared to Control plants. Chemical application of citric acid, EDTA, benomyl, and BAP were tested separately and in combination in a pot experiment in an environmentally controlled greenhouse to determine the efficacy of phtyoextraction by switchgrass. Soil acidification by citric acid application resulted in highest level of aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in plants foliage resulting in severe phytotoxic effects. Total Pb phytoextraction was significantly highest in plants treated with combined chemical application of B + C and B + C + H. Suppression of AMF activities by benomyl application significantly increased concentrations of Al and Fe in roots. Application of benomyl reduced AMF colonization but was also shown to dramatically increase levels of septa fungi infection as compared to Control plants.

Cadmium Uptake by Cuttings of Impatiens walleriana in Response to Different Cadmium Concentrations and Growth Periods

Impatiens walleriana (I. walleriana), a potential cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, can propagate by cuttings, which are less expensive to grow than seedlings. Different growth periods for cuttings, however, may lead to different physiological characteristics. In this study, I. walleriana cuttings were hydroponically grown in Cd-containing solutions (1.0-10.0 μM) for various growth periods (10-60 days). Experimental results showed that the Cd treatments had negative effects on growth compared to the controls that were not spiked with Cd. The extension of the growth period promoted most of the growth exhibitions of I. walleriana, except for SPAD readings for cuttings grown in the 5.0 and 10.0 μM solutions. The accumulation of Cd also increased over time, except in the roots of the cuttings grown in the 5.0 and 10.0 μM solutions. The subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd showed that I. walleriana developed better tolerance and detoxification capacities in the cuttings grown in the 5.0 and 10.0 μM solutions than in the cuttings grown in the other two Cd treatments.

Characterizations of bio-accumulations, subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cesium in Brassica juncea, and Vicia faba

We aim to investigate the tolerance and enrichment mechanism of cesium (Cs) in hyperaccumulation plants. In this study, Brassica juncea and Vicia faba were subjected to varying doses of Cs for 21 days to investigate the differences in bio-accumulations, subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cs in two cultivars by differential centrifugation, and extraction of Cs in different chemical forms, respectively. The results showed that 49.87%-61.08% of the Cs were in the leaf of B. juncea, while in V. faba, 1.58%-79.29% of the Cs was in the root. The translocation factor (TF) arrived 2.79 to 3.71 in B. juncea, while it only reached 0.26 to 0.62 in V. faba. Cs subcellular distribution of the two plants was in sequence as follows: soluble fraction > cell wall >> organelles. Cs was more easily distributed to metal-sensitive fractions of V. faba. The inorganic Cs (F-ethanol), and water-soluble Cs (F-dH2O) are the main existing types of Cs in the two plants. In B. juncea, the relative content of inorganic Cs, and organic acids/CsH2PO4 (F-dH2O) were higher than that of V. faba in the stem. This suggests that Cs may induce related transporter gene expression (such as phosphate transporter, organic cation, high affinity nitrate transporter, amino acid permease, etc.) to help the transport of Cs between root to shoot.

Effects of extended growth periods on subcellular distribution, chemical forms, and the translocation of cadmium in Impatiens walleriana

Impatiens walleriana plants accumulate sufficiently high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) for this species to be considered a potential Cd hyperaccumulator. Rooted cuttings were grown hydroponically for 25 and 50 days in solutions spiked with various Cd concentrations. The subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in different organs were analyzed, and its upward translocation was also assessed. The plants accumulated large amounts of Cd; the Cd concentration in the roots and shoots reached 120-1900 and 60-1600 mg/kg, respectively. Regardless of the growth period, the Cd accumulated in the roots was primarily compartmentalized in the soluble fraction or ethanol and deionized water extractable chemical forms with high migration abilities. Translocation to the shoots was followed by an association of Cd mainly in the cell wall or with pectate and protein. The roots' Cd showed a high migration capacity for predicting the shoots' Cd concentrations. Different exposure periods significantly affected the subcellular distribution of Cd in the stems, and thus the upward translocation.

Subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium in Impatiens walleriana in relation to its phytoextraction potential

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) has been shown to be a potential cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator, but its mechanisms in accumulation and detoxification have not been reported. Rooted cuttings of Impatiens were planted in artificially Cd-contaminated soils for 50 days with total target concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg. The subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in the different organs were analyzed after the pot experiment. Compared with the control group, various Cd treatments affected the growth exhibitions of Impatiens, but most of them were not statistically significant. The Cd accumulation of different organs increased with an increase in the soil Cd concentrations for most of the treatments, and it was in the decreasing order of root>stem>leaf. In the roots of Impatiens, Cd was mainly compartmentalized in the soluble fraction (Fs), which has a high migration capacity and will further translocate to the shoot. The Cd was mainly compartmentalized in the cell wall fraction (Fcw) in the shoots as a mechanism of tolerance. Most of the Cd in the various organs of Impatiens was mainly in the forms of pectate and protein-integrated (FNaCl), whereas a minor portion was a water soluble fraction (FW). The experimental results show that the Cd in the Fs, FW, and FNaCl in the roots of Impatiens had a high mobility and will further translocate to the shoot. They could be used to estimate the Cd accumulated in the shoots of Impatiens.

Changes in chemical forms, subcellular distribution, and thiol compounds involved in Pb accumulation and detoxification in Athyrium wardii (Hook.)

Athyrium wardii is one of the dominant plant species flourishing on the Pb-Zn mine tailings in Sichuan Province, China. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical forms, subcellular distribution, and thiol compounds in A. wardii under different Pb treatments. The results showed that plants of the mining ecotype (ME) of A. wardii were more tolerant to Pb than those of the non-mining ecotype (NME) in spite of accumulation of higher Pb concentrations. The Pb concentrations in shoots and roots of the ME were 3.2∼8.6 times and 3.0∼24.6 times higher than those of the NME, respectively. The ME was more efficient in Pb uptake than the NME. Moreover, 27.8∼39.0% of the total Pb in ME was sodium chloride (NaCl) extractable and 38.0∼48.5% was acetic acid (HAc) extractable, whereas only a minority of total Pb was in ethanol and H2O extractable. In subcellular level, 77.4∼88.8% of total Pb was stored in the cell walls of ME and 9.0∼18.9% in soluble fractions. Increasing Pb concentrations enhanced sequestration of Pb into the cell walls and soluble fractions of ME tissues to protect organelles against Pb. Synthesis of non-protein thiols (NP-SH) and phytochelatins (PCs) in roots of ME significantly enhanced in response to Pb stress, and significant increases in glutathione (GSH) were observed in shoots of ME. Higher levels of NP-SH, GSH, and PCs were observed in roots of the ME comparing with NME, especially under high Pb treatments. The results indicated that Pb was localized mainly in cell wall and soluble fraction of ME plants with low biological activity by cell wall deposition and vacuolar compartmentalization, which might be the important adapted Pb detoxification mechanisms of ME.

Effects of GA3 on Plant Physiological Properties, Extraction, Subcellular Distribution and Chemical Forms of Pb in Lolium perenne

The effects of growth-promoting hormone gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) on physiology, Pb phytoextraction, and metal detoxification mechanisms in Lolium perenne were studied. Results showed that addition of GA3 alone at lower doses (1 or 10 μM) facilitated antioxidant defense of L. perenne under Pb stress, decreased the toxicity of Pb in plant shoot by increasing the proportion of Pb in cell wall, hence significantly enhanced photosynthesis and plant growth, as well as Pb uptake and accumulation in L. perenne (P < 0.05). However, these indicators showed the opposite changes when treated with GA3 at a higher dose (100 μM). Of the total Pb in plant shoot, 36-51% was associated with cell wall, and 31-40% was soluble fraction, while 41.4-49.7% was NaCl extractable, 24.6-35.4% HAc extractable followed by other fractions. These findings suggest that Pb fixation by pectates and proteins in cell wall and sequestration in vacuole are responsible for Pb detoxification in plant, and the GA3 at 1 μM appears to be optimal for enhancing Pb phytoextraction by L. perenne from Pb polluted soils.

Synergetic effects of DA-6/GA₃ with EDTA on plant growth, extraction and detoxification of Cd by Lolium perenne

Research is needed to improve efficiency of phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils. A pot experiment was carried out to study the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (C18H33NO8, DA-6) and gibberellic acid 3 (C19H22O6, GA3)) and/or EDTA on Cd extraction, subcellular distribution and chemical forms in Lolium perenne. The addition of EDTA or PGRs significantly enhanced Cd extraction efficiency (P<0.05), with the decreasing order of: 1 μM DA-6>10 μM DA-6>10 μM GA3>2.5 mmol kg(-1) EDTA>other treatments of PGR alone. PGRs+EDTA resulted in a further increase in Cd extraction efficiency, with EDTA+1 μM DA-6 being the most efficient. At the subcellular level, about 44-57% of Cd was soluble fraction, 18-44% in cell walls, and 12-25% in cellular organelles fraction. Chemical speciation analysis showed that 40-54% of Cd was NaCl extractable, 7-23% HAc extractable, followed by other fractions. EDTA increased the proportions of Cd in soluble and cellular organelles fraction, as well as the metal migration in shoot; therefore, the toxicity to plant increased and plant growth was inhibited. Conversely, PGRs fixed more Cd in cell walls and reduced Cd migration in shoot; thus, metal toxicity was reduced. In addition, PGRs promoted plant biomass growth significantly (P<0.05), with 1 μM DA-6 being the most effective. A combination of DA-6/GA3 with EDTA can alleviate the adverse effect of EDTA on plant growth, and the treatment of EDTA+1 μM DA-6 appears to be optimal for improving the remediation efficiency of L. perenne for Cd contaminated soil.