1
|
Duan X, Liu L, Lu T, Wang S, Wang C, Qiu G. Mechanism for Fe(III) to decrease cadmium uptake of wheat plant: Rhizosphere passivation, competitive absorption and physiological regulation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172907. [PMID: 38703846 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172907] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The presence of dissolved Fe(III) and Fe(III)-containing minerals has been found to alleviate cadmium (Cd) accumulation in wheat plants grown in Cd-contaminated soils, but the specific mechanism remains elusive. In this work, hydroponic experiments were conducted to dissect the mechanism for dissolved Fe(III) (0-2000 μmol L-1) to decrease Cd uptake of wheat plants and study the influence of Fe(III) concentration and Cd(II) pollution level (0-20 μmol L-1) on the Cd uptake process. The results indicated that dissolved Fe(III) significantly decreased Cd uptake through rhizosphere passivation, competitive absorption, and physiological regulation. The formation of poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides facilitated the adsorption and immobilization of Cd(II) on the rhizoplane (over 80.4 %). In wheat rhizosphere, the content of CaCl2-extractable Cd decreased by 52.7 % when Fe(III) concentration was controlled at 2000 μmol L-1, and the presence of Fe(III) may reduce the formation of Cd(II)-organic acid complexes (including malic acid and succinic acid secreted by wheat roots), which could be attributed to competitive reactions. Down-regulation of Cd uptake genes (TaNramp5-a and TaNramp5-b) and transport genes (TaHMA3-a, TaHMA3-b and TaHMA2), along with up-regulation of the Cd efflux gene TaPDR8-4A7A, contributed much to the reduction of Cd accumulation in wheat plants in the presence of Fe(III). The inhibitory effect of Fe(III) on Cd uptake and transport in wheat plants declined with increasing Cd(II) concentration, particularly at 20 μmol L-1. This work provides important implications for remediating Cd-contaminated farmland soil and ensuring the safe production of wheat by using dissolved Fe(III) and Fe(III)-containing minerals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Duan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sheliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Guohong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, College of Resources and Environment, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shi X, Du J, Wang X, Zhang X, Yan X, Yang Y, Jia H, Zhang S. NtGCN2 confers cadmium tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum L. by regulating cadmium uptake, efflux, and subcellular distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172695. [PMID: 38663613 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172695] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
General control non-derepressible-2 (GCN2) is widely expressed in eukaryotes and responds to biotic and abiotic stressors. However, the precise function and mechanism of action of GCN2 in response to cadmium (Cd) stress in Nicotiana tabacum L. (tobacco) remains unclear. We investigated the role of NtGCN2 in Cd tolerance and explored the mechanism by which NtGCN2 responds to Cd stress in tobacco by exposing NtGCN2 transgenic tobacco lines to different concentrations of CdCl2. NtGCN2 was activated under 50 μmol·L-1 CdCl2 stress and enhanced the Cd tolerance and photosynthetic capacities of tobacco by increasing chlorophyll content and antioxidant capacity by upregulating NtSOD, NtPOD, and NtCAT expression and corresponding enzyme activities and decreasing malondialdehyde and O2·- contents. NtGCN2 enhanced the osmoregulatory capacity of tobacco by elevating proline (Pro) and soluble sugar contents and maintaining low levels of relative conductivity. Finally, NtGCN2 enhanced Cd tolerance in tobacco by reducing Cd uptake and translocation, promoting Cd efflux, and regulating Cd subcellular distribution. In conclusion, NtGCN2 improves the tolerance of tobacco to Cd through a series of mechanisms, namely, increasing antioxidant, photosynthetic, and osmoregulation capacities and regulating Cd uptake, translocation, efflux, and subcellular distribution. This study provides a scientific basis for further exploration of the role of NtGCN2 in plant responses to Cd stress and enhancement of the Cd stress signaling network in tobacco.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Shi
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Jiao Du
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Yongxia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China
| | - Hongfang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China.
| | - Songtao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Cultivation in Tobacco Industry, National Tobacco Cultivation & Physiology & Biochemistry Research Centre, College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Noman M, Ahmed T, Wang J, White JC. Micronutrient-microbiome interplay: a critical regulator of soil-plant health. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:319-320. [PMID: 38395702 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The delicate balance between soil micronutrients and the phytobeneficial microbiome is crucial for maintaining soil-plant health. Recently, Dai et al. established a correlation between elemental micronutrients and the soil microbiome that regulates plant quality and productivity, offering innovative and sustainable solutions to increase agricultural production in a changing climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Noman
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Temoor Ahmed
- Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou 311231, China; Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Jiaoyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China.
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang F, Li Z, Yang X, Liu H, Chen L, Chang N, He H, Zeng Y, Qiu T, Fang L. Silicon reduces toxicity and accumulation of arsenic and cadmium in cereal crops: A meta-analysis, mechanism, and perspective study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170663. [PMID: 38311087 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170663] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are two toxic metal(loid)s that pose significant risks to food security and human health. Silicon (Si) has attracted substantial attention because of its positive effects on alleviating the toxicity and accumulation of As and Cd in crops. However, our current knowledge of the comprehensive effects and detailed mechanisms of Si amendment is limited. In this study, a global meta-analysis of 248 original articles with over 7000 paired observations was conducted to evaluate Si-mediated effects on growth and As and Cd accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and maize (Zea mays L.). Si application increases the biomass of these crops under As and/or Cd contamination. Si amendment also decreased shoot As and Cd accumulation by 24.1 % (20.6 to 27.5 %) and 31.9 % (29.0 to 31.9 %), respectively. Furthermore, the Si amendment reduced the human health risks posed by As (2.6 %) and Cd (12.9 %) in crop grains. Si-induced inhibition of Cd accumulation is associated with decreased Cd bioavailability and the downregulation of gene expression. The regulation of gene expression by Si addition was the driving factor limiting shoot As accumulation. Overall, our analysis demonstrated that Si amendment has great potential to reduce the toxicity and accumulation of As and/or Cd in crops, providing a scientific basis for promoting food safety globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Hongjie Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Nan Chang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Naciri R, Chtouki M, Oukarroum A. Mechanisms of cadmium mitigation in tomato plants under orthophosphate and polyphosphate fertilization regimes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116219. [PMID: 38492483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic elements in soil, affecting morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes in plants. Mineral plant nutrition was tested as an effective approach to mitigate Cd stress in several crop species. In this regard, the present study aimed to elucidate how different phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes can improve some bio-physiological processes in tomato plants exposed to Cd stress. In a hydroponic experiment, the impact of two phosphorus fertilizer forms (Polyphosphate (poly-P): condensed P-form with 100% polymerization rate and orthophosphate (ortho-P): from orthophosphoric acid) on the photosynthetic activity, plant growth, and nutrient uptake was assessed under three levels of Cd stress (0, 12, and 25 µM of CdCl2). The obtained results confirmed the negative effects of Cd stress on the chlorophyll content and the efficiency of the photosynthesis machinery. The application of poly-P fertilizer significantly improved the chlorophyll stability index (82%) under medium Cd stress (Cd12), as compared to the ortho-P form (55%). The analysis of the chlorophyll α fluorescence transient curve revealed that the amplitude of Cd effect on the different steps of electron transfer between PSII and PSI was significantly reduced under the poly-P fertilization regime compared to ortho-P, especially under Cd12. The evaluation of the RE0/RC parameter showed that the electron flux reducing end electron acceptors at the PSI acceptor side per reaction center was significantly improved in the poly-P treatment by 42% under Cd12 compared to the ortho-P treatment. Moreover, the use of poly-P fertilizer enhanced iron uptake and its stoichiometric homeostasis in the shoot tissue which maintained an adequate absorption of iron under Cd stress conditions. Findings from this study revealed for the first time that inorganic polyphosphate fertilizers can reduce Cd toxicity in tomato plants by enhancing photosynthesis activity, nutrient uptake, plant growth, and biomass accumulation despite the high level of cadmium accumulation in shoot tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Naciri
- Plant Stress Physiology Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed Chtouki
- Plant Stress Physiology Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Oukarroum
- Plant Stress Physiology Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahmed T, Guo J, Noman M, Lv L, Manzoor N, Qi X, Li B. Metagenomic and biochemical analyses reveal the potential of silicon to alleviate arsenic toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123537. [PMID: 38355084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123537] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) pollution in agricultural systems poses a serious threat to crop productivity and food safety. Silicon (Si) has been reported to mitigate toxic effects of heavy metals in plants. However, the mechanisms behind Si-mediated alleviation of As toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) remain poorly understood. Here, we performed metagenomic and biochemical analyses to investigate the potential of Si in alleviating As toxicity to rice plants. As exposure reduced plant growth, chlorophyll contents, antioxidant enzyme levels and soil enzymes activity, while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and inducing alterations in the rhizosphere microbiome of rice seedlings. Silicon amendments enhanced rice growth (24%), chlorophyll a (25%), and chlorophyll b (26.7%), indicating enhanced photosynthetic capacity. Si amendments also led to the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (15.4%), and peroxidase (15.6%), resulting in reduced ROS activity and oxidative stress compared to the As-treated control. Furthermore, Si treatment reduced uptake and translocation of As in rice plants, as evidenced by the analysis of elemental contents. Microscopic examination of leaf and root ultrastructure showed that Si mitigated As-induced cellular damage and maintained normal morphology. Metagenomic analysis of the rice rhizosphere microbiome revealed that Si application modulated composition and diversity of microbial communities e.g., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Additionally, Si amendments upregulated the relative expression levels of OsGSH, OsPCs, OsNIP1;1 and OsNIP3;3 genes, while the expression levels of the OsLis1 and OsLis2 genes were significantly downregulated compared with As-treated rice plants. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of Si-mediated plant resilience to As stress and offer potential strategies for sustainable agriculture in As-contaminated regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Temoor Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Xianghu Laboratory, Hangzhou, 311231, China; MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Junning Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Noman
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Luqiong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Natasha Manzoor
- Department of Soil and Water Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | | | - Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wan Y, Liu J, Zhuang Z, Wang Q, Li H. Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils: Sources, Influencing Factors, and Remediation Strategies. TOXICS 2024; 12:63. [PMID: 38251018 PMCID: PMC10819638 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Soil heavy metal pollution is a global environmental challenge, posing significant threats to eco-environment, agricultural development, and human health. In recent years, advanced and effective remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated soils have developed rapidly, and a systematical summarization of this progress is important. In this review paper, first, the anthropogenic sources of heavy metals in agricultural soils, including atmospheric deposition, animal manure, mineral fertilizers, and pesticides, are summarized. Second, the accumulation of heavy metals in crops as influenced by the plant characteristics and soil factors is analyzed. Then, the reducing strategies, including low-metal cultivar selection/breeding, physiological blocking, water management, and soil amendment are evaluated. Finally, the phytoremediation in terms of remediation efficiency and applicability is discussed. Therefore, this review provides helpful guidance for better selection and development of the control/remediation technologies for heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Huafen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions of the Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.W.); (J.L.); (Z.Z.); (Q.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shah T, Khan Z, Khan SR, Imran A, Asad M, Ahmad A, Ahmad P. Silicon inhibits cadmium uptake by regulating the genes associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway and plant hormone signal transduction in maize plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123996-124009. [PMID: 37995035 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31044-z] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil poses a severe threat to plant growth and development. In contrast, silicon (Si) has shown promise in enhancing plant resilience under Cd-induced stress. In this study, we conducted an integrated investigation employing morphological studies, gene expression analysis, and metabolomics to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance in maize plants. Our results demonstrate that Si biofortification significantly mitigated Cd stress by reducing Cd accumulation in plant tissues, increasing Si content, and enhancing maize biomass in Cd-stressed plants resulted in a substantial enhancement in shoot dry weight (+ 75%) and root dry weight (+ 30%). Notably, Si treatment upregulated key lignin-related genes (TaPAL, TaCAD, Ta4CL, and TaCOMT) and promoted the accumulation of metabolites (sinapyl alcohol, phenylalanine, p-coumaryl alcohol, cafeyl alcohol, and coniferaldehyde) essential for cell wall strength, particularly under Cd stress conditions. Si application enriched the signal transduction by hormones and increased resistance by induction of biosynthesis genes (TaBZR1, TaLOX3, and TaNCDE1) and metabolites (brassinolide, abscisic acid, and jasmonate) in the roots and leaves under Cd stress. Furthermore, our study provides a comprehensive view of the intricate molecular crosstalk between Si, Cd stress, and plant hormonal responses. We unveil a network of genetic and metabolic interactions that culminate in a multifaceted defense system, enabling maize plants to thrive even in the presence of Cd-contaminated soil. This knowledge not only advances our understanding of the protective role of Si but also highlights the broader implications for sustainable agricultural practices. By harnessing the insights gained from this research, we may pave the way for innovative strategies to fortify crops against environmental stressors, ultimately contributing to the goal of food security in an ever-changing world. In summary, our research offers valuable insights into the protective mechanisms facilitated by Si, which enhance plants' ability to withstand environmental stress, and holds promise for future applications in sustainable agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States, Department for Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zeeshan Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Shah Rukh Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Imran
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, GDC Pulwama, 192301, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| |
Collapse
|