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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Xavier Draye for his pertinent suggestions about the experimental design, as well as Thomas Dagbert for his technical assistance concerning the root cross-sections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Groupe de Recherche en Génie Rural, Earth and Life Institute–Environmental Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2 (L7.05.02), Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium

    Thomas Lambrechts & Charles L. Bielders

  2. Groupe de Recherche en Physiologie Végétale, Earth and Life Institute–Agronomy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5 (bte L7.07.13), Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium

    Thomas Lambrechts & Stanley Lutts

  3. Groupe de Recherche en Ecophysiologie et Amélioration Végétale, Earth and Life Institute–Agronomy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 4-5 (L7.07.13), Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348, Belgium

    Gauthier Lequeue & Guillaume Lobet

  4. PhytoSYSTEMS, Université de Liège, Boulevard du Rectorat, 27, 4000, Liège, Belgium

    Guillaume Lobet

  5. Unité “Biomasse, Bioproduits et Energies’’, Centre Wallon de Recherches Agronomiques, rue du Serpont, 100, 6800, Libramont, Belgium

    Bruno Godin

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  1. Thomas Lambrechts
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  2. Gauthier Lequeue
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  3. Guillaume Lobet
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  4. Bruno Godin
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  5. Charles L. Bielders
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  6. Stanley Lutts
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Correspondence to Thomas Lambrechts.

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Responsible Editor: Juan Barcelo.

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Lambrechts, T., Lequeue, G., Lobet, G. et al. 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 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1975-7

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