Phytostabilization potential of Erica australis L. and Nerium oleander L.: a comparative study in the Riotinto mining area (SW Spain).

Phytostabilization is a green, cost-effective technique for mine rehabilitation and ecological restoration. In this study, the phytostabilization capacity of Erica australis L. and Nerium oleander L. was assessed in the climatic and geochemical context of the Riotinto mining district, southwestern Spain, where both plant species colonize harsh substrates of mine wastes and contaminated river banks. In addition to tolerating extreme acidic conditions (up to pH 3.36 for E. australis), both species were found to grow on substrates very poor in bioavailable nutrients (e.g., N and P) and highly enriched with potentially phytotoxic elements (e.g., Cu, Cd, Pb, S). The selective root absorption of essential elements and the sequestration of potentially toxic elements in the root cortex are the main adaptations that allow the studied species to cope in very limiting edaphic environments. Being capable of a tight elemental homeostatic control and tolerating extreme acidic conditions, E. australis is the best candidate for use in phytostabilization programs, ideally to promote early stages of colonization, improve physical and chemical conditions of substrates and favor the establishing of less tolerant species, such as N. oleander.

Change in uptake, transport and accumulation of ions in Nerium oleander (rosebay) as affected by different nitrogen sources and salinity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The source of nitrogen plays an important role in salt tolerance of plants. In this study, the effects of NaCl on net uptake, accumulation and transport of ions were investigated in Nerium oleander with ammonium or nitrate as the nitrogen source in order to analyse differences in uptake and cycling of ions within plants. METHODS: Plants were grown in a greenhouse in hydroponics under different salt treatments (control vs. 100 mm NaCl) with ammonium or nitrate as the nitrogen source, and changes in ion concentration in plants, xylem sap exuded from roots and stems, and phloem sap were determined. KEY RESULTS: Plant weight, leaf area and photosynthetic rate showed a higher salt tolerance of nitrate-fed plants compared with that of ammonium-fed plants. The total amount of Na+ transported in the xylem in roots, accumulated in the shoot and retranslocated in the phloem of ammonium-fed plants under salt treatment was 1.8, 1.9 and 2.7 times more, respectively, than that of nitrate-treated plants. However, the amount of Na+ accumulated in roots in nitrate-fed plants was about 1.5 times higher than that in ammonium-fed plants. Similarly, Cl- transport via the xylem to the shoot and its retranslocation via the phloem (Cl- cycling) were far greater with ammonium treatment than with nitrate treatment under conditions of salinity. The uptake and accumulation of K+ in shoots decreased more due to salinity in ammonium-fed plants compared with nitrate-fed plants. In contrast, K+ cycling in shoots increased due to salinity, with higher rates in the ammonium-treated plants. CONCLUSIONS: The faster growth of nitrate-fed plants under conditions of salinity was associated with a lower transport and accumulation of Na+ and Cl- in the shoot, whereas in ammonium-fed plants accumulation and cycling of Na+ and Cl- in shoots probably caused harmful effects and reduced growth of plants.

Effect of various growth hormone concentration and combination on callus induction, nature of callus and callogenic response of Nerium odorum.

Nerium odorum, Linn. (Apocynaceae) is an important evergreen shrub. It is heat, salinity and drought tolerant. Plants with milky sap have medicinal value, mainly cardenolides, flavonoids and terpenes. It is used for wastewater purification and for restoration of riparian woodlands. In view of these facts, the study was conducted for micropropagation of N. odorum. Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with different concentrations (0.5-10.0 mg/l) of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (Kin) were used singly and in combinations. Among all the growth hormones, 2,4-D was the best for callus induction (75% in stem and 79% in leaf) and in combination 2,4-D and BAP (78% in stem and 81% in leaf). The day of callus induction started from the 19th to the 37th day. This variation is due to the differences in culture conditions and the age of explants. The fresh and dry weight and moisture content showed good growth of callus, which is used in further studies of alkaloid production. Micropropagation of this plant allows the production of clones at a fast rate and in continuous manner. This work can lead to the development of an efficient protocol for callus induction and other issues.