Response of Plantago major to cesium and strontium in hydroponics: Absorption and effects on morphology, physiology and photosynthesis

Distribution of cesium and cationic mineral elements in napiergrass

“…The mean 133 Cs content within leaf blades was significantly higher than in stems following treatment with 300 and 500 μM 133 Cs. As with our study, a trend of 133 Cs accumulation (leaf > stem) in a hydroponic experiment was also observed for leaves of Brassica juncea and Vicia faba under conditions of 25 and 50 mg kg −1 Cs [7], Plantago major under 0.002 to 20 mM Cs [4], and Calla palustris under 0.5 and 1 mM Cs [14]. Similar Cs accumulation in leaf blades was also observed in napiergrass grown on 137 Cs-contaminated soil, where 137 Cs accumulation was approximately two to three times greater in leaf blades of napiergrass than in the stems [11].…”

“…To assess the toxic effect of Cs on napiergrass, we measured various morphological and physiological stress parameters, including plant height, SPAD values, and tiller number. In our study, no significant differences were observed in plant height, SPAD values, or tiller number of napiergrass with increasing 133 Cs concentration in soil ( [3,4,26]. Previously, we observed that napiergrass exhibited reduced plant height and SPAD value and increased tiller number at relatively high 133 Cs concentrations (1000-3000 µM) in hydroponic culture solution [10].…”

“…A similar trend in distribution was also observed in the stems, because there is almost no redistribution of Ca within the plant following root uptake [13], resulting in lower Ca distribution ratios in newly emerged stems and leaf blades (younger plant parts). In contrast, Ca accumulation in the leaves of Plantago major significantly increased in the 2 mM 133 Cs-treated hydroponic condition [4]. Concerning the accumulation of Ca in the presence of 133 Cs in hydroponic culture medium, Burger et al [4] concluded that the presence of 133 Cs in the medium did not decrease Ca uptake; decreased biomass may therefore possibly be related to a K deficiency.…”

“…In contrast, Ca accumulation in the leaves of Plantago major significantly increased in the 2 mM 133 Cs-treated hydroponic condition [4]. Concerning the accumulation of Ca in the presence of 133 Cs in hydroponic culture medium, Burger et al [4] concluded that the presence of 133 Cs in the medium did not decrease Ca uptake; decreased biomass may therefore possibly be related to a K deficiency. As with Ca, the distribution of Mg in the presence of 133 Cs was also greatly suppressed, but, in contrast, Mg was found to be significantly more likely to be distributed among stems rather than leaf blades ( Table 3, Mg/ 133 Cs).…”

“…Effect of different levels of cesium-133 ( 133 Cs) treatment on plant height, SPAD value (SPAD), and tiller number ns indicates no significant difference at the 5% level by Tukey's multiple-range test Plantago major (2-20 mM 133 Cs)[4], Arabidopsis halleri (0.2-20 mM 133 Cs)[3], and Brassica juncea (25-100 mg L −1 133 Cs)[26] significantly decreased under Cs exposure during hydroponic growth; the dry weight of leaves, however, did not differ significantly compared with control plants…”