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Li X, Xu B, Sahito ZA, Chen S, Liang Z. Transcriptome analysis reveals cadmium exposure enhanced the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and disease resistance in Coptis chinensis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115940. [PMID: 38218103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Coptis chinensis Franch is a perennial herb from the Ranunculaceae family with a long history of medicinal use. As the medicinal part, the rhizome of coptis often accumulates excessive cadmium (Cd) even at low concentrations in the soil, which not only compromises its medicinal safety but also raises concerns about adverse effects on human health. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to mitigate this accumulation and ensure its safe use in traditional medicine. This study utilized transcriptome profiling and physiological analysis to explore molecular mechanisms associated with ecological significance and the active accumulation of Cd in C. chinensis. The response to Cd in C. chinensis was assessed through RNA sequencing, Cd determination and isoquinoline alkaloid measurement using its roots, stems, and leaves. The transcriptome revealed, a total of 2667, 2998, or 2815 up-regulated deferentially expressed genes in roots, stems or leaves in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, we identified phenylpropanoid and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis as the key pathways response to Cd exposure, which suggests that C. chinensis may improve its tolerance to Cd through regulating the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Under Cd exposure, plant-pathogen interaction in leaves was identified as the key pathway, which indicates that upregulation of genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction could enhance disease resistance in C. chinensis. WGCNA analysis identified WRKY8 (Cluster-55763.31419) and WRKY47 (Cluster-55763.221590) as potential regulators of secondary metabolic synthesis and plant-pathogen interaction pathway in C. chinensis triggered by Cd. The measurement of berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and epiberberine also demonstrated that Cd simulated the four isoquinoline alkaloids in roots. Therefore, our study not only presented a transcriptome expression profiles that revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in metal transport and detoxification pathways but also suggested a possible mechanism to cope with Cd accumulation. This knowledge provides a new insight into gene manipulation for controlling Cd accumulation, enhancing resistance and promoting synthesis of secondary metabolites with potential medicinal properties in other medicinal plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Tianjin Tasly Modern TCM Resources Co., Ltd., Tianjin 300410, China
| | - Zulfiqar Ali Sahito
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shaoning Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Zongsuo Liang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Shaoxing Academy of Biomedicine, Shaoxing 312000, China.
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Zhang L, Liu Z, Song Y, Sui J, Hua X. Advances in the Involvement of Metals and Metalloids in Plant Defense Response to External Stress. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:313. [PMID: 38276769 PMCID: PMC10820295 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Plants, as sessile organisms, uptake nutrients from the soil. Throughout their whole life cycle, they confront various external biotic and abiotic threats, encompassing harmful element toxicity, pathogen infection, and herbivore attack, posing risks to plant growth and production. Plants have evolved multifaceted mechanisms to cope with exogenous stress. The element defense hypothesis (EDH) theory elucidates that plants employ elements within their tissues to withstand various natural enemies. Notably, essential and non-essential trace metals and metalloids have been identified as active participants in plant defense mechanisms, especially in nanoparticle form. In this review, we compiled and synthetized recent advancements and robust evidence regarding the involvement of trace metals and metalloids in plant element defense against external stresses that include biotic stressors (such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity) and abiotic environmental stressors (such as pathogen invasion and herbivore attack). We discuss the mechanisms underlying the metals and metalloids involved in plant defense enhancement from physiological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives. By consolidating this information, this review enhances our understanding of how metals and metalloids contribute to plant element defense. Drawing on the current advances in plant elemental defense, we propose an application prospect of metals and metalloids in agricultural products to solve current issues, including soil pollution and production, for the sustainable development of agriculture. Although the studies focused on plant elemental defense have advanced, the precise mechanism under the plant defense response still needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Zhang
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (Z.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Zhengyan Liu
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (Z.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Yun Song
- School of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China;
| | - Junkang Sui
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (Z.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Xuewen Hua
- School of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (Z.L.); (J.S.)
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Khan IU, Zhang YF, Shi XN, Qi SS, Zhang HY, Du DL, Gul F, Wang JH, Naz M, Shah SWA, Jia H, Li J, Dai ZC. Dose dependent effect of nitrogen on the phyto extractability of Cd in metal contaminated soil using Wedelia trilobata. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115419. [PMID: 37651793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic heavy metal that negatively affect plant growth and compromise food safety for human consumption. Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. It may enhance Cd tolerance of invasive plant species by maintaining biochemical and physiological characteristics during phytoextraction of Cd. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the phenotypical and physiological responses of invasive W. trilobata and native W. chinensis under low Cd (10 µM) and high Cd (80 µM) stress, along with different N levels (i.e., normal 91.05 mg kg-1 and low 0.9105 mg kg-1). Under low-N and Cd stress, the growth of leaves, stem and roots in W. trilobata was significantly increased by 35-23%, 25-28%, and 35-35%, respectively, compared to W. chinensis. Wedelia trilobata exhibited heightened antioxidant activities of catalase and peroxidase were significantly increased under Cd stress to alleviate oxidative stress. Similarly, flavonoid content was significantly increased by 40-50% in W. trilobata to promote Cd tolerance via activation of the secondary metabolites. An adverse effect of Cd in the leaves of W. chinensis was further verified by a novel hyperspectral imaging technology in the form of normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) compared to W. trilobata. Additionally, W. trilobata increased the Cd tolerance by regulating Cd accumulation in the shoots and roots, bolstering its potential for phytoextraction potential. This study demonstrated that W. trilobata positively responds to Cd with enhanced growth and antioxidant capabilities, providing a new platform for phytoremediation in agricultural lands to protect the environment from heavy metals pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ullah Khan
- School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xin-Ning Shi
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shan-Shan Qi
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhang
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; School of Inspection and Testing Certification, Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Dao-Lin Du
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Farrukh Gul
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jia-Hao Wang
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Misbah Naz
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Syed Waqas Ali Shah
- Biofuels Institute, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhi-Cong Dai
- School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Zhou Y, Chen C, Xiong Y, Xiao F, Wang Y. Heavy metal induced resistance to herbivore of invasive plant: implications from inter- and intraspecific comparisons. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1222867. [PMID: 37649994 PMCID: PMC10464952 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1222867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Heavy metals can affect the content of secondary metabolites in plants, which are one of the important defenses of plants against herbivores. However, studies on the effects of heavy metals on secondary metabolites of invasive plants are scarce. Phytolacca americana is an invasive plant in China, which can hyperaccumulate the heavy metal Mn. Methods This study used two Mn treatments (control and treatment group) and four species from Phytolacca (including the native and introduced populations of P. americana, its native and exotic congeners in China) to investigate the impact of heavy metal Mn on the invasive ability of P. americana. Results The results show that heavy metal Mn can enhance the inhibitory effect of the introduced populations of P. americana on the growth of herbivore (the weight of herbivore has decreased by 66%), and altered the feeding preferences of herbivore. We also found that heavy metal Mn can significantly increase the content of quantitative resistance in the leaves of the introduced populations of P. americana and is higher than its native populations, native and exotic congeners. In addition, heavy metal Mn caused the quantitative resistance of the exotic congener significantly higher than that of the native congeners. Discussion In summary, the heavy metal Mn can increase the content of secondary metabolites in leaves to enhance the interspecific competitive advantage of P. americana and promote its invasion, and also increase the invasion risk of exotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yi Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Centre for Invasion Biology, Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Zhong YH, Guo ZJ, Wei MY, Wang JC, Song SW, Chi BJ, Zhang YC, Liu JW, Li J, Zhu XY, Tang HC, Song LY, Xu CQ, Zheng HL. Hydrogen sulfide upregulates the alternative respiratory pathway in mangrove plant Avicennia marina to attenuate waterlogging-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in a calcium-dependent manner. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:1521-1539. [PMID: 36658747 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is considered to mediate plant growth and development. However, whether H2 S regulates the adaptation of mangrove plant to intertidal flooding habitats is not well understood. In this study, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) was used as an H2 S donor to investigate the effect of H2 S on the responses of mangrove plant Avicennia marina to waterlogging. The results showed that 24-h waterlogging increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in roots. Excessive mitochondrial ROS accumulation is highly oxidative and leads to mitochondrial structural and functional damage. However, the application of NaHS counteracted the oxidative damage caused by waterlogging. The mitochondrial ROS production was reduced by H2 S through increasing the expressions of the alternative oxidase genes and increasing the proportion of alternative respiratory pathway in the total mitochondrial respiration. Secondly, H2 S enhanced the capacity of the antioxidant system. Meanwhile, H2 S induced Ca2+ influx and activated the expression of intracellular Ca2+ -sensing-related genes. In addition, the alleviating effect of H2 S on waterlogging can be reversed by Ca2+ chelator and Ca2+ channel blockers. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence to explain the role of H2 S in waterlogging adaptation in mangrove plants from the mitochondrial aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Hui Zhong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ze-Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ming-Yue Wei
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- School of Ecology, Resources and Environment, Dezhou University, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Ji-Cheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shi-Wei Song
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bing-Jie Chi
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing-Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xue-Yi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Han-Chen Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ling-Yu Song
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chao-Qun Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hai-Lei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Khan IU, Qi SS, Gul F, Manan S, Rono JK, Naz M, Shi XN, Zhang H, Dai ZC, Du DL. A Green Approach Used for Heavy Metals 'Phytoremediation' Via Invasive Plant Species to Mitigate Environmental Pollution: A Review. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12040725. [PMID: 36840073 PMCID: PMC9964337 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) normally occur in nature and are rapidly released into ecosystems by anthropogenic activities, leading to a series of threats to plant productivity as well as human health. Phytoremediation is a clean, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method for reducing soil toxicity, particularly in weedy plants (invasive plant species (IPS)). This method provides a favorable tool for HM hyperaccumulation using invasive plants. Improving the phytoremediation strategy requires a profound knowledge of HM uptake and translocation as well as the development of resistance or tolerance to HMs. This review describes a comprehensive mechanism of uptake and translocation of HMs and their subsequent detoxification with the IPS via phytoremediation. Additionally, the improvement of phytoremediation through advanced biotechnological strategies, including genetic engineering, nanoparticles, microorganisms, CRISPR-Cas9, and protein basis, is discussed. In summary, this appraisal will provide a new platform for the uptake, translocation, and detoxification of HMs via the phytoremediation process of the IPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Ullah Khan
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shan-Shan Qi
- School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Farrukh Gul
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Sehrish Manan
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Justice Kipkorir Rono
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Misbah Naz
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xin-Ning Shi
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- School of Inspection and Testing Certificate, Changzhou Vocational Institute Engineering, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Zhi-Cong Dai
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Dao-Lin Du
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
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Are Iron-Rich Calcareous Mine Sites Easily Invaded by Invasive Plant Species? DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14110986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Plant diversity in relatively harsh environments, such as metal-polluted areas tends to be relatively low. Invasive plants may invade harsh environments more easily than native plants. However, studies often find fewer invasive species in stressful edaphic habitats (such as serpentine soils). Those examples may represent relatively extreme conditions. Moderately stressful habitats may be more invaded given the advantages of invasive plants. We surveyed the plant diversity in four site pairs across three seasons. Sites consist of abandoned mines and reference sites. The mine sites have calcareous soils with relatively high iron, basic pH, and lower nutrients than reference sites. Results: There were 153 plant species among the four site pairs. Around 80 and 66% of species in calcareous and reference sites were introduced species respectively. Diversity varied across seasons but tended to be lower in the mine sites. One of the mines was significantly more invaded. Across sites, the number of invasive species and their abundances was not different from that of native species. Invasive plants are as capable of invading moderately stressful calcareous sites as native species, with some sites tending to be even more invaded.
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Ilyas M, Shah S, Lai YW, Sher J, Bai T, Zaman F, Bibi F, Koul M, Wani SH, Majrashi A, Alharby HF, Hakeem KR, Wang YJ, Rather SA. Leaf Functional Traits of Invasive Grasses Conferring High-Cadmium Adaptation Over Natives. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:869072. [PMID: 35720536 PMCID: PMC9202595 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.869072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) contamination resulting from industrialization and urbanization during the Anthropocene along with plant invasion can severely threaten the growth and adaptation of local flora. Invasive alien plant species generally exhibit a growth pattern consistent with their functional traits in non-contaminated environments in the introduced range. However, it remains unclear whether invasive alien plants have an advantage over native plants in contaminated environments and whether this growth pattern is dependent on the adaptation of their leaf functional traits. Here, we selected two congeneric pairs of invasive alien and native grasses that naturally co-exist in China and are commonly found growing in contaminated soil. To evaluate the effect of cadmium (Cd) on the structural and physiological leaf traits, we grew all four species in soil contaminated without or with 80 mg/kg Cd. Invasive plants contained significantly higher concentrations of Cd in all three organs (leaf, stem, and root). They displayed a higher transfer factor and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of shoot and root than natives, indicating that invasive species are potential Cd hyperaccumulators. Invasive plants accumulated polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to higher levels than natives and showed similar patterns of leaf structural and physiological traits in response to changes in Cd bioconcentration. The quantifiable leaf structural traits of invasive plants were significantly greater (except for stomatal density and number of dead leaves) than native plants. Leaf physiological traits, chlorophyll content, and flavonoid content were also significantly higher in invasive plants than in natives under Cd stress conditions after 4 weeks, although nitrogen balance index (NBI) showed no significant difference between the two species. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters decreased, except for the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and the proportion of open photosystem II (qP), which increased under Cd stress conditions in both species. However, invasive plants exhibited higher fluorescence parameters than natives under Cd stress, and the decrement observed in invasive plants under Cd stress was greater than that in natives. High Cd adaptation of invasive grasses over natives suggests that invasive plants possess optimal leaf structural and physiological traits, which enable them to adapt to stressful conditions and capture resources more quickly than natives. This study further emphasizes the potential invasion of alien plants in contaminated soil environments within the introduced range. To a certain extent, some non-invasive alien plants might adapt to metalliferous environments and serve as hyperaccumulator candidates in phytoremediation projects in contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ilyas
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, China
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Centre for Forestry Information, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sakhawat Shah
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Wen Lai
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Centre for Forestry Information, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jan Sher
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Hubei Ecology Polytechnic College, Wuhan, China
| | - Fawad Zaman
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Centre for Forestry Information, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Farkhanda Bibi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, China
| | - Monika Koul
- Department of Botany, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shabir Hussain Wani
- Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Khudwani, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ali Majrashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham F. Alharby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al- Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Rehman Hakeem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al- Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yong-Jian Wang
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Centre for Forestry Information, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shabir A. Rather
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, China
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