Johannes B. Wehr

Metal-induced cell rupture in elongating roots is associated with metal ion binding strengths

Low concentrations of Al, Cu and La rapidly decrease root elongation and cause transverse ruptures to the rhizodermis and outer cortex, but it is not known if other trace metals have similar effects. Six trace metals, Ga, Gd, Hg, In, Ru, and Sc, decreased cowpea root growth and caused ruptures similar to those caused by Al, Cu and La. Calculated speciation of the metals showed that only Gd was almost exclusively present as the trivalent ion (Gd3+), but the other test solutions were dominated by Ga(OH)2+, HgCl20, either In3+, In(OH)2+, In(OH)2+, In(OH)30, or InCl2+, and Sc3+ or ScOH2+ (no thermodynamic constants were available for Ru). The results from this and other studies suggest that the ability of these trace metals (plus Al, Cu, and La) to cause ruptures is related to the strength to which the trace metals bind to the cell wall. Therefore, it is proposed that the toxic effects of trace metals results from (1) the strength of binding (either ionically or covalently), and (2) other toxic effects of the metals not dependent on cell wall interactions.

Hydraulic properties of layered soils influence survival of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) during water stress

Survival of vegetation on soil-capped mining wastes is often impaired during dry seasons due to the limited amount of water stored in the shallow soil capping. Growth and survival of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) during soil drying on various layered capping sequences constructed of combinations of topsoil, subsoil, seawater-neutralised residue sand and low grade bauxite was determined in a glasshouse. The aim was to describe the survival of Rhodes grass in terms of plant and soil water relationships. The soil water characteristic curve and soil texture analysis was a good predictor of plant survival. The combination of soil with a high water holding capacity and low soil water diffusivity (e.g. subsoil with high clay contents) with soil having a high water holding capacity and high diffusivity (e.g. residue sand) gave best survival during drying down (up to 88 days without water), whereas topsoil and low grade bauxite were unsuitable (plants died within 18–39 days). Clayey soil improved plant survival by triggering a water stress response during peak evaporative water demand once residue sand dried down and its diffusivity fell below a critical range. Thus, for revegetation in seasonally dry climates, soil capping should combine one soil with low diffusivity and one or more soils with high total water holding capacity and high diffusivity.