Effects of cadmium on the anatomical structures of vegetative organs of chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.)

Abstract

The effects of cadmium on the anatomical structures of different vegetative parts, namely root, stem and leaf of chickpea, Cicer arientinum L. was studied. Four different concentrations of CdCl2 e.g. 250, 500, 750 and 1000 μM were considered as treatments alongside non treated samples (control). In case of root anatomy decrease of root diameter, root cortex area, thick walled endodermal layer and reduced number of metaxylem vessels were observed compared to control. Similarly, stem diameter, cortical area, size and number of xylem vessels were decreased in Cd treated stem. However, large and increased number of trichomes had been found in Cd treated stem samples with deposition of phenolic compounds in vessels with increasing concentration of Cd. Considerable less toxic effects were observed in leaf anatomy except decrease in leaf thickness, reduced vascular area and closure of stomata in comparison to control sample. All such plant anatomical alterations indicated adverse effects as well as tolerance of chickpea up to certain concentrations of heavy metal to cope up with the changing environment.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 29(1): 45-52, 2020 (January)

The Anatomical Basis of Heavy Metal Responses in Legumes and Their Impact on Plant–Rhizosphere Interactions

“…Although an increased cortex thickness could provide resistance to radial water flow and thus reduce heavy metal transport, the disintegration of root cortical cells is a more prevalent phenomenon [ 53 ]. Liza et al [ 61 ] recorded a decrease in the root diameter of chickpea plants exposed to Cd (250–1000 µM) due to a decreased number of layers of cortical cells (from 12–14 in control plants, to 8–10 in Cd-treated plants). Conversely, root diameter was shown by Perez Chaca et al [ 22 ] to increase in Cd (40 µM) treated soybean plants, as a result of an increase in the cortex area and the size of cortical parenchyma cells.…”

Effects of soil amendments on leaf anatomical characteristics of marigolds cultivated in cadmium-spiked soils

“…Plant characteristics showed significant differences in the American and Sunshine cultivars grown in the Cd-Pig and Cd-Alon treatments (2.2 and 2.1 times different, respectively). Lisa et al 14 found a smaller area of the vascular bundle in chickpea ( C . arientinum ) treated with Cd solution when compared to untreated plants.…”

“…Comparison of leaf anatomical characteristics among various plant species grown in heavy metal-enriched soil may help identify heavy metal accumulation and patterns of distribution, and in cataloguing the effects of heavy metal toxicity and tolerance. Many plant species exposed to Cd toxicity exhibit alterations in leaf anatomical structures, examples include chickpea ( Cicer arientinum L.) and fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) 14 . Furthermore, many reports indicate that the presence of certain essential nutrients in plant media can affect the modification of leaf anatomical characteristics.…”

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“…The endodermal cells of the Cd-treated roots had smaller size and thick walls than those of the control plant roots. The stem diameter decreased due to the reduction in the size of cells and vascular elements under Cd stress [ 167 ]. In chickpea plants, the area of cortical stem cells was smaller due to the action of Cd compared to control plants.…”