Mercedes Hernández

A different role for hydrogen peroxide and the antioxidative system under short and long salt stress in Brassica oleracea roots

Salinity affects normal growth and development of plants depending on their capacity to overcome the induced stress. The present study was focused on the response and regulation of the antioxidant defence system in Brassica oleracea roots under short and long salt treatments. The function and the implications of hydrogen peroxide as a stressor or as a signalling molecule were also studied. Two different zones were analysed—the elongation and differentiation zone and the fully differentiated root zone—in order to broaden the knowledge of the different effects of salt stress in root. In general, an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide was observed in both zones at the highest (80 mM NaCl) concentration. A higher accumulation of hydrogen peroxide was observed in the stele of salt-treated roots. At the subcellular level, mitochondria accumulated hydrogen peroxide in salt-treated roots. The results confirm a drastic decrease in the antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidases under short salt treatments. However, catalase and peroxidase activities were recovered under long salt stress treatments. The two antioxidant molecules analysed, ascorbate and glutathione, showed a different trend during salt treatments. Ascorbate was progressively accumulated and its redox state maintained, but glutathione was highly accumulated at 24 h of salt treatment, but then its concentration and redox state progressively decreased. Concomitantly, the antioxidant enzymes involved in ascorbate and glutathione regeneration were modified under salt stress treatments. In conclusion, the increase in ascorbate levels and the maintenance of the redox state seem to be critical for root growth and development under salt stress.

Agricultural practices for enhanced human health

Phytochemicals in vegetables are known to be responsible for protective effects against many human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and different types of cancer. Environmental conditions and physiological factors may modify the amounts of these compounds present in vegetables and fruits, but also crop management strategies could increase the production of phytochemicals. Therefore, the effects of mineral nutrition, soil composition and water content on the production of phytochemicals have been considered in the development of different fertilisation strategies, efficient water management and techniques such as grafting. Finally, the contents of health-promoting compounds in vegetables and fruits depend both quantitatively and qualitatively on their genetic bases. Thus, conventional breeding and genetic modification have been developed as new methodologies to enhance the nutritional properties of plants.

Role of phi cells and the endodermis under salt stress in Brassica oleracea

Phi cell layers were discovered in the 19th century in a small number of species, including members of the Brassicaceae family. A mechanical role was first suggested for this structure; however, this has never been demonstrated. The main objective of the present work was to analyse the ultrastructure of phi cells, their influence on ion movement from the cortex to the stele, and their contribution to salt stress tolerance in Brassica oleracea. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis studies were used to analyse the subcellular structure and distribution of ions in phi cells and the endodermis under salt stress. Ion movement was analysed using lanthanum as an apoplastic tracer. The ultrastructural results confirm that phi cells are specialized cells showing cell wall ingrowths in the inner tangential cell walls. X-ray microanalysis confirmed a build-up of sodium. Phi thickenings were lignified and lanthanum moved periplasmically at this level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the possible role of the phi cells as a barrier controlling the movement of ions from the cortex to the stele. Therefore, the phi cell layer and endodermis seem to be regulating ion transport in Brassica oleracea under salt stress.

Study of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition of Proteas Cultivated under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract: A study of soil physicochemical characteristics and mineral nutrition of four cultivars of Leucospermum cordifolium (‘Scarlett Ribbon,’ ‘High Gold,’ ‘Veldifre,’ ‘Sunrise’) and Leucospermum patersonii species was carried out along 2 years in commercial protea plantations, distributed throughout a subtropical region (La Palma Island, Canarian Archipelago). Soils presented a slightly acid pH range, whereas organic matter showed suitable values. Generally, available soil phosphorus (P) contents were less than 25 mg kg−1, with high available potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels, though the ratio of Ca of the sum of available cations was usually appropriate. Despite the high electrical conductivity (EC) levels (4.31–8.87 dS m−1) determined in some soils, no salinity symptoms were ever detected. Distribution and behavior of foliar nutrients nitrogen (N), P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) along time showed that nutritional needs varied in some cases among cultivars and species. L. patersonii presented the least N concentration, whereas ‘High Gold’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the greatest levels. Data denoted that P requirements were larger in younger plants, during the recovery after pruning, and while new buds developed. ‘Sunrise’ cultivar stood out for its large foliar levels of P, whereas ‘Scarlett Ribbon’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the least K contents. As a general pattern, K decreased in winter samplings. L. patersonii species and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ exhibited the highest Ca values, and the same was true for Mg only in the species. A special need for Na appeared in all the cultivars and species studied. L. patersonii and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ showed the greatest Na levels. A general stabilization of nutrient concentrations was observed in the fourth, fifth, and/or sixth samplings, so that November is recommended for taking samples for current foliar analysis. In this context, foliar ranges for the studied nutrients are suggested.

INFLUENCE OF CLAY SOIL ON TWO PROTEA CULTIVARS PLANTED DIRECTLY OR GRAFTED ON CLAY-SOIL RESISTANT ROOTSTOCK. STUDY OF SOIL FERTILITY, FOLIAR NUTRITION, AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF CUT FLOWERS

Leucospermum is a genus of the Proteaceae family that has achieved an increasing importance in the market of cut flowers worldwide. Some Leucospemum plants do not grow properly in clay soils, but grafting on a clay-soil resistant rootstock could provide better performances. The nutrient composition of two cultivars of Leucospermum (‘High Gold’ and ‘Succession II’) cultivated in clay soil was evaluated planting them directly or grafting on Leucospermum patersonii rootstock. The assay consisted of four treatments, T1 = ‘High Gold’ planted directly, T2 = grafted ‘High Gold’, T3 = ‘Succession II’ planted directly, and T4 = grafted ‘Succession II’. The experiment was carried out over three years, following a randomized block design with four replications per treatment. Foliar calcium (Ca) decreased in grafted plants of both cultivars. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, Ca, and magnesium contents of the cut-flowers of ‘High Gold’ treatments were higher than those of ‘Succession II’, though in the third year no comparison with T3 plants was possible because most of them had died. The studied nutrients removal by ‘High Gold’ exceeded those of ‘Succession II’.