Cadmium effect on the association of jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract

The effect of cadmium (Cd) on mycorrhizal association and on shoot and root Cd concentration was investigated in jackbean plants under hydroponic conditions. The treatments consisted of the inoculation of three different species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus etunicatum, G. intraradices and G. macrocarpum, and a non-inoculated control, two Cd (0 and 5 µmol L-1) and two P (1 and 10 mg L-1) levels in the nutrient solution. Mycorrhizal colonization, length of AMF extraradical mycelium, guaiacol peroxidase activity in roots, plant growth and root and shoot Cd and P concentrations were determined. Mycorrhizal status did not promote jackbean growth but in most of the cases mycorrhization increased root and shoot Cd concentrations. Cd ions were accumulated mainly in roots and only small amounts were translocated to the shoot. Cd addition did not affect root colonization by AMF but the AM extraradical mycelium (ERM) was sensitive to the added Cd. ERM length was reduced by 25% in the presence of Cd. This reduction was more pronounced under conditions of low P concentration. Also at this P concentration, Cd addition decreased guaiacol peroxidase activity in non-mycorrhizal roots and in roots colonized by G. macrocarpum. However, mycorrhizal roots maintained lower values of peroxidase activity. G. etunicatum showed the best performance when associated to jackbean plants and it could be a promising association for phytoremediation of Cd- contaminated soil.