Positive interactions to silicon (Si) were reported in Solanum nigrum plants (Liu et al. 2013) exposed to toxic cadmium (Cd) levels, while Kidd et al. (2001) also described that Si mitigates the toxicity by aluminium (Al) in Zea mays. In addition, the protective action of Si was observed in Oryza sativa under high levels of zinc (Zn) (Song et al. 2014), Hordeum vulgare under high concentrations of chromium (Cr) and Cucumis sativus exposed to manganese (Mn) toxicity (Shi et al. 2005).The tolerance to metal toxicity can be induced by the compartmentalization, chelation and/or immobilization of metal ions into the vacuole, cytoplasm, apoplast or/and cell wall. In addition, Britez et al. (2002) described that Si decreased Al toxicity due to the formation of Al-Si complexes in the apoplast, which are non-toxic forms. Based on this overview, our hypothesis is that Si must reduce the negative impacts on metabolism provoked by the action of Al in Eucalyptus platyphylla plants. The aim of this research is to determine the Si contribution on nutrient concentrations, compounds linked to oxidative stress, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange, and determine if Si can improve the tolerance mechanism of young E. platyphylla plants exposed to Al toxicity.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Plants
ABSTRACTThe tolerance to metal toxicity, such as aluminium, can be induced by the formation of Al-Si complexes. Therefore, the aim of this research is to determine the contribution of Si on nutrient concentrations, compounds linked to oxidative stress, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange and to determine if Si can improve the tolerance mechanism of young Eucalyptus platyphylla plants exposed to Al toxicity. The experimental setup was completely randomized with four treatments (0, 1.6 mmol/L Al, 2.0 mmol/L Si and 1.6 mmol/L Al + 2.0 mmol/L Si; being described as the control, Al toxicity, Si and Al toxicity + Si, respectively). The treatment with Si attenuated the negative effects of Al on nutrient concentrations by reducing superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage. Pigments and gas exchange exhibited beneficial effects after Si application, with positive interactions also being detected between Si-Al. Therefore, this study demonstrates that Si reduced the oxidative stress and improved the tolerance mechanism of young E. platyphylla plants exposed to Al toxicity.