Plant responses to abiotic stresses: heavy metal‐induced oxidative stress and protection by mycorrhization

Plants are constantly challenged by changing environmental conditions that include abiotic stresses. These are limiting their development and productivity and are subsequently threatening our food security, especially when considering the pressure of the increasing global population. Thus, there is an urgent need for the next generation of crops with high productivity and resilience to climate change. The dawn of a new era characterized by the emergence of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies has redefined the ideological boundaries of research and applications in plant sciences. Recent technological advances and machine learning (ML)-based computational tools and omics data analysis approaches are allowing scientists to derive comprehensive metabolic descriptions and models for the target plant species under specific conditions. Such accurate metabolic descriptions are imperatively essential for devising a roadmap for the next generation of crops that are resilient to environmental deterioration. By synthesizing the recent literature and collating data on metabolomics studies on plant responses to abiotic stresses, in the context of the 4IR era, we point out the opportunities and challenges offered by omics science, analytical intelligence, computational tools and big data analytics. Specifically, we highlight technological advancements in (plant) metabolomics workflows and the use of machine learning and computational tools to decipher the dynamics in the chemical space that define plant responses to abiotic stress conditions.

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Effect of Lead and Copper on Photosynthetic Apparatus in Citrus (Citrus aurantium L.) Plants. The Role of Antioxidants in Oxidative Damage as a Response to Heavy Metal Stress

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10010155 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 155

Author(s):

Anastasia Giannakoula ◽

Ioannis Therios ◽

Christos Chatzissavvidis

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Lipid Peroxidation ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Metal Tolerance ◽

Heavy Metal Tolerance ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽

Heavy Metal Stress ◽

Photosynthetic Parameters ◽

Citrus Aurantium

Photosynthetic changes and antioxidant activity to oxidative stress were evaluated in sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) leaves subjected to lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and also Pb + Cu toxicity treatments, in order to elucidate the mechanisms involved in heavy metal tolerance. The simultaneous effect of Pb− and Cu on growth, concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), chlorophylls, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolics, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters were examined in leaves of Citrus aurantium L. plants. Exogenous application of Pb and Cu resulted in an increase in leaf H2O2 and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Toxicity symptoms of both Pb and Cu treated plants were stunted growth and decreased pigments concentration. Furthermore, photosynthetic activity of treated plants exhibited a significant decline. The inhibition of growth in Pb and Cu-treated plants was accompanied by oxidative stress, as indicated by the enhanced lipid peroxidation and the high H2O2 concentration. Furthermore, antioxidants in citrus plants after exposure to high Pb and Cu concentrations were significantly increased compared to control and low Pb and Cu treatments. In conclusion, this study indicates that Pb and Cu promote lipid peroxidation, disrupt membrane integrity, reduces growth and photosynthesis and inhibit mineral nutrition. Considering the potential for adverse human health effects associated with high concentrations of Pb and Cu contained in edible parts of citrus plants the study signals that it is important to conduct further research into the accessibility and uptake of the tested heavy metals in the soil and whether they pose risks to humans.

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