Copper uptake, accumulation and physiological changes in adult grapevines in response to excess copper in soil

Abstract

Aims This study investigated Cu uptake and accumulation as well as physiological and biochemical changes in grapevines grown in soils containing excess Cu. Methods The grapevines were collected during two productive cycles from three vineyards with increasing concentrations of Cu in the soil and at various growth stages, before and after the application of Cu-based fungicides. The Cu concentrations in the grapevine organs and the macronutrients and biochemical parameters in the leaf blades were analyzed.Results At close to the flowering stage of the grapevines, the concentration and content of Cu in the leaves were increased. However, the Cu concentrations in the roots, stem, shoots and bunches did not correlate with the metal concentrations in the soil. The application of Cu-based fungicides to the leaves increased the Cu concentrations in the shoots, leaves and rachis; however, the effect of the fungicides on the Cu concentration in the berries was not significant. The biochemical analyses of the leaf blades demonstrated symptoms of oxidative stress that correlated with the Cu concentrations in soil. Conclusions The increased availability of Cu in soil had a slight effect on the levels and accumulation of Cu in mature grapevines during the productive season and did not alter the nutritional status of the plant. However, increased Cu concentrations were observed in the leaves. The evidence of oxidative stress in the leaves correlated with the increased levels of Cu in soil.

Copper and zinc accumulation, fractionation and migration in vineyard soils from Santa Catarina State, Brazil

“…Normally, adsorption of Cu and Zn in the soil first occurs in the most avid binding sites and then the remaining trace elements are redistributed in fractions that are retained with less energy and, consequently, with greater availability and mobility (Miotto et al 2013). However, frequent applications of fungicides can increase the Cu and Zn content in the soil, modifying distribution of the fractions, increasing toxicity to plants (Nagajyoti et al 2010) and transfer by the runoff solution on the soil surface and percolated in the soil profile, increasing water contamination (Fernández-Calviño et al 2012).…”

“…The total content of the two trace elements, like that estimated by the 3050B method of the USEPA (USEPA 1996), has been a useful indicator, but it may, for example, present low correlation with bioavailability of the element to plants (Miotto et al 2013). For that reason, extractions with chemical products in an isolated manner have been used, such as chelating agents, like Ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) (Schramel et al 2000).…”

Heavy Metals in Vineyards and Orchard Soils

“…), apple (Malus domestica) and other fruit tree orchards, are fungicides used for control of diseases, which can cause the accumulation and changes in the distribution of fractions of these elements in the soil. This happens because of the unidirectionality of applications in plants, through rinsing of heavy metals from the leaves during rain or irrigation, the abscission of senescent leaves or the deposition of pruned branches on the soil (KOMÁREK et al, 2010;BRUNETTO et al, 2014b;MIOTTO et al, 2014). For example, in vineyards, for the preventive control of diseases, especially of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), 30 kg Cu ha -1 year -1 may be added to the production system through fungicides (CASALI et al, 2008).…”

“…The number of lateral roots can increase and in the epidermis plasmolysis of some cells can occur, with a reduction of the density of root hair normally observed (ZHANG et al, 2014). Changes in morphology and anatomical structure of the roots can be reflected in reduced absorption of nutrients and water by plants, reduced growth and root and shoot biomass (TOSELLI et al, 2009;MIOTTO et al, 2014).…”

“…The excess of Cu in plants shoots can decrease the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and the rate of C fixation, and can increase the oxidative stress at cellular level (CAMBROLLÉ et al, 2013;CAMBROLLÉ et al, 2015). All this conditions can reduce fruit tree absorption of water and nutrients, whith change of nutrient concentration within the plant, lower growth, especially in young fruit trees, transplanted in soils with high concentration of Cu (TOSELLI et al, 2009;MIOTTO et al, 2014). In addition, transport and accumulation of heavy metals to the fruits may have negative effects on the productivity and composition of the crops, and finally on human health.…”