Morphophysiological responses of Aechmea blanchetiana (Bromeliaceae) to excess copper during in vitro culture

• Published in: Plant biosystems Vol. 155; no. 3; pp. 447 - 456
• Main Authors: Martins, João Paulo Rodrigues, Rodrigues, Luiz Carlos de Almeida, Silva, Thayna dos Santos, Rossini, Franciele Pereira, Gontijo, Andreia Barcelos Passos Lima, Falqueto, Antelmo Ralph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 04.05.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aechmea; Bioindicators; Biomonitoring; Bromeliad; chlorenchyma; Chlorophyll; chlorophyll a fluorescence; Copper; environmental bioindicator plant anatomy; Environmental monitoring; Fluorescence; Heavy metals; Indicator species; liquids; Nutrients; Photosynthesis; Photosynthetic pigments; Pigments; plant physiology; Shoots; Stomata
• ISSN: 1126-3504; 1724-5575; 1724-5575
• DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2020.1756976

The use of plants as bioindicators can be effective for environmental monitoring, mainly related to heavy metals such as copper (Cu). In vitro conditions are more easily controlled, to enable isolating the stress factors that can interfere in plants' responses. The aim was to investigate the morphophysiological responses of Aechmea blanchetiana submitted to excess Cu, and to verify the degree of tolerance and potential as a bioindicator of this species. Previously cultured shoots of A. blanchetiana were transferred to agar-solidified MS medium. After 60 days, the tank system was recreated, with the addition of stationary liquid MS medium with different concentrations of Cu (0, 25, 50 and 100 μM). After 90 days with excess Cu, anatomical analysis along with quantification of the contents of nutrients, photosynthetic pigments and chlorophyll a fluorescence were carried out. Alterations in the stomatal density and chlorenchyma thickness were observed in the plants grown with excess Cu. There was an increase in the Cu content in the plants in function of the Cu levels. However, the adjustments in the content of the other nutrients were essential for tolerance to excess Cu. Aechmea blanchetiana tolerates high Cu concentrations and has potential for use as a bioindicator.