Analysis of tolerance to copper and zinc in Aechmea blanchetiana grown in vitro

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of Aechmea blanchetiana Baker L.B. Sm. in vitro on medium with 0.0, 0.145, 1.45 and 14.5 µM Cu and 0.0, 2.75, 27.5 and 275 µM Zn. Significant accumulation of Cu and Zn occurred at 14.5 µM Cu and 27.5 and 275 µM Zn, respectively, and there were no significant changes in contents of the other macro-and micronutrients. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly changed in the presence of both metals. Spermine content increased as Zn concentration increased and decreased with increasing concentrations of Cu. There was an accumulation of H 2 O 2 in the leaf tissue of plants grown in 1.45 and 14.5 µM Cu and 27.5 and 275 µM Zn. A. blanchetiana was found tolerant to the Cu and Zn in concentrations used in this study and displays the capacity to accumulate these metals.

Copper and zinc interactions: morphophysiological responses in sweet potato plants (Ipomoea batatas L.)

“…The responses observed in the T3 treatment did not differ from those of the control, and there was only H 2 O 2 accumulation in those tissues. The accumulation of ROS could act as a signal for greater stimulation of the antioxidant system (Giampaoli et al 2012). Nevertheless, high micronutrient concentrations (T4) could be considered toxic to sweet potato plants, because they triggered APX and CAT activity in addition to oxidative damages.…”

“…The decreased SOD activity under these treatment conditions suggests that increased micronutrient availability could have inhibited the expression of enzymes involved in antioxidative metabolism at the molecular level (Posmyk et al 2009). Therefore, other factors such as subcellular distribution could affect the enzymatic performance of plants exposed to heavy metals (Giampaoli et al 2012).…”

“…Both copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are naturally present in the environment at low concentrations, and the elements are micronutrients for plants (Giampaoli et al 2012). Nevertheless, Cu and Zn also enter the environment via agricultural and industrial activities, and they may be toxic to plants at high concentrations (Nagajyoti et al 2010;Giampaoli et al 2012).…”

“…Nevertheless, Cu and Zn also enter the environment via agricultural and industrial activities, and they may be toxic to plants at high concentrations (Nagajyoti et al 2010;Giampaoli et al 2012). Some species can tolerate excess heavy metals by adopting strategies of compartmentalization, quelation with metallothionein, or exclusion (Broadley et al 2007).…”

“…Some species can tolerate excess heavy metals by adopting strategies of compartmentalization, quelation with metallothionein, or exclusion (Broadley et al 2007). However, both Cu and Zn can accumulate in plant tissues, causing physiological and biochemical changes, growth reduction, and yield loss (Giampaoli et al 2012).…”