Effects of cadmium stress on seed germination and seedling growth of Elymus dahuricus infected with the Neotyphodium endophyte

Abstract

Various cadmium (Cd) concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 μmol L 1) affected Elymus dahuricus seed germination, seedling growth, antioxidative enzymes activities (AEA), and amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline present. These influences were determined for separate E. dahuricus cohorts known to be either infected (E+) or non-infected (E) by a Neotyphodium endophyte. Under high Cd concentrations (100, 200 and 300 μmol L 1 ), E+ specimens showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher germination rate and index, as well as higher values for shoot length, root length and dry biomass. However, the germination rate and index, root length and dry weight did not show a significant (P<0.05) difference under the low Cd concentrations (0 and 50 μmol L 1 ). AEA and proline content increased, as did MDA content, in the E+ (vs. E) specimens under high Cd concentrations. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference under low Cd concentrations. Endophyte infection was concluded to be of benefit to E. dahuricus exposed to high Cd concentrations. cadmium, Elymus dahuricus, germination, antioxidant enzyme, endophyteCitation: Zhang X X, Li C J, Nan Z B. Effects of cadmium stress on seed germination and seedling growth of Elymus dahuricus infected with the Neotyphodium endophyte.

Exogenous Application of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid and Oxalic Acid Improve the Seed Germination and Enzymes Activities of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Under Cadmium Stress

“…Some previous studies have proved that higher Cd levels imposed adverse effect on seed germination resulted in retarded plant growth (Shafiq et al, 2008;Aydinalp and Marinova, 2009;Zhang et al, 2012) as in alfalfa seeds (Peralta et al, 2001). Cd interference changes the permeability of cell membrane which lessened absorption and transport of water as well as reduced the stress tolerance potential during germination (Russak et al, 2008).…”

Bioactive Compounds Produced by &lt;i&gt;Streptomyces&lt;/i&gt; sp. Isolate UPMRS4 and Antifungal Activity against &lt;i&gt;Pyricularia oryzae&lt;/i&gt;

“…and Neotyphodium spp. of grasses in cold regions which have the capability to protect plants from worms and phytopathogens [21] [22].…”

Biochemical and photochemical feedbacks of acute Cd toxicity in Juncus acutus seedlings: The role of non-functional Cd-chlorophylls

“…According to Mel'nichuck (1990), seed germination can be promoted by Cd 2þ at low concentrations, around 10 À5 mM. Moreover, Zhang et al (2012), obtained higher germination rate and index, as well as higher values for shoot length, root length and dry biomass when exposed Elymus dahuricus seedlings to Cd treatments. On the other hand, germination inhibition can also occur due Cd 2þ exposure.…”