Comparative analysis of Cd and Zn impacts on root distribution and morphology of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens: implications for phytostabilization


  • Lambrechts, T. , Lequeue, G. , Lobet, G. , Godin, B. , Bielders, C. & Lutts, S. (2014). Comparative analysis of Cd and Zn impacts on root distribution and morphology of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens: implications for phytostabilization. Plant soil, 376: 229-244.
Type Journal Article
Year 2014
Title Comparative analysis of Cd and Zn impacts on root distribution and morphology of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens: implications for phytostabilization
Journal Plant soil
Recnumber 20
Volume 376
Pages 229-244
Type of article Journal article
Endnote Keywords Heavymetal contamination, Root distribution, Root diameter, Lignin and structural polysaccharides, Lolium perenne ,Trifoliumrepens
Abstract Backgrounds and aims The phytostabilization potential of plants is a direct function of their root systems. An experimental design was developed to investigate the impact of Cd and Zn on the root distribution and morphology of Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens. Methods Seedlings were transplanted into columns filled with washed quartz and irrigated daily with Cd- or Zn-containing nutrient solutions during 1 month. Root biomass, root length density (RLD) and diameter were subsequently quantified as a function of depth. Pot experiments were also performed to quantify metal, lignin and structural polysaccharides concentrations as well as cell viability. Results Lolium perenne accumulated Cd and Zn in the roots whereas T. repens was unable to restrict heavy metal translocation. Cadmium and Zn reduced rooting depth and RLD but induced thick shoot-borne roots in L. perenne. Cd-induced root swelling was related to lignification occurring in the exodermis and parenchyma of central cylinder. Hemicelluloses and lignin did not play a key role in root metal retention. Cadmium slightly reduced mean root cell viability whereas Zn increased this parameter in comparison to Cd. Conclusions Even though plant species like Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens may appear suitable for a phytostabilization scheme based on their shoot metal tolerance, exposure to toxic heavy metals drastically impairs their root distribution. This could jeopardize the setting up of phytostabilization trials. The metal-induced alterations of root system properties are clearly metal- and species-specific. At sites polluted with multiple metals, it is therefore recommended to first test their impact on the root system of multiple plant species so as to select the most appropriate species for each site.
Fichier
Lien DOI 10.1007/s11104-013-1975-7
Authors Lambrechts, T., Lequeue, G., Lobet, G., Godin, B., Bielders, C., Lutts, S.