Differential responses of two Iranian rice cultivars to arsenite toxicity

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Arsenic (As) is a toxic metalloid which is usually found in rice fields as a contamination and has negative effects on the plant growth and reduces the crop yield. Similar to heavy metals, the deleterious effects of As may be due to, at least in part, the amount of absorbed As and disturbance of the plant water status. In this connection, different varieties of the same species may show differential performances. Comparative responses to 75 µM AsIII were evaluated in two Iranian rice cultivars adapted to moderate-humid vs. very warm and dry climates (Hashemi and Amber, respectively). Although both cultivars absorbed AsIII, but its translocation factor was lower in Amber accompanied by accumulation of soluble sugars and glycine betaine and lower level of internal ABA. Moreover, adverse effect of AsIII onrelative water content and stomata closure was less prominent in Amber, compared to Hashemi. Results suggest that cultivars adapted to dry conditions are more capable to withstand against As and to control its entrance to human food chain.