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Copper Toxicity on Photosynthetic Responses and Root Morphology of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Caesalpinioideae)

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Abstract

Copper (Cu) is a micronutrient essential for plant development. However, in excess, it is toxic to plants and may cause various physiological and morphological changes. The study of the growth of plants exposed to excess Cu is important for the development of phytoremediation programs and for understanding the mechanisms involved in the tolerance of this metal. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of excess copper on photosynthetic responses and root morphology of Hymenaea courbaril L. Biometric measurements, gas exchange, root morphology, and Cu content in tissues and indices (TI and TF) were assessed, involving metal content and biomass. Up to a concentration of 200 mg kg−1, Cu favored growth, gas exchange, and root morphology of the plants under study. At a higher concentration (800 mg kg−1) in the soil, it affected plant growth and caused a decrease in photosynthetic rate. Biochemical limitations in photosynthesis were observed, as well as lower maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), respiration rate in the dark (Rd), light compensation point (LCP), light saturation point (LSP), and apparent quantum yield (α), when exposed to excess Cu. Root length, surface area, mean diameter, root volume, dry biomass, and specific root length decreased with high Cu concentrations in the soil. Cu was accumulated in the roots as a mechanism of tolerance to the excess of this metal in order to preserve the most metabolically active tissues present in the leaves. At a concentration of 800 mg kg−1, copper also caused inhibition of the root system. Plants of H. courbaril showed tolerance to excess Cu in the soil and can be indicated for the recovery of areas contaminated with this metal.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Marcelo Polo, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil, for the long-term merits of his studies on plant ecophysiology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Nature Sciences—ICN, Federal University of Alfenas—UNIFAL-MG, Street Gabriel Monteiro, P. O. Box 700, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil

    Daniele Maria Marques, Valdir Veroneze Júnior & Thiago Corrêa de Souza

  2. Section of Agricultural Sciences, University José do Rosário Vellano—UNIFENAS, Rod. MG 39 km 0, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil

    Adriano Bortolotti da Silva & José Ricardo Mantovani

  3. Maize and Sorghum National Research Center, P. O. Box 151, Sete Lagoas, MG, 35701-970, Brazil

    Paulo César Magalhães

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  1. Daniele Maria Marques
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  2. Valdir Veroneze Júnior
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  5. Paulo César Magalhães
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  6. Thiago Corrêa de Souza
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Correspondence to Daniele Maria Marques.

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Marques, D.M., Veroneze Júnior, V., da Silva, A.B. et al. Copper Toxicity on Photosynthetic Responses and Root Morphology of Hymenaea courbaril L. (Caesalpinioideae). Water Air Soil Pollut 229, 138 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-3769-2

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