Effects of EDTA on Uptake Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L) Under Copper Toxicity

Abstract

1. Abstract The effects of EDTA on Cu2+ uptake by spinach (Spinacea oleracea L) seedlings replanted in hydroponic solutions in a greenhouse investigated. Four week old seedlings, were exposed to various doses of Cu2+ (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20mg/L) and constant concentration of EDTA (10mM). From 15 to 20mg/L Cu2+, there was a substantial increase in copper uptake in Chelated treatments (p < 0.05) compared to Unchelated treatments of same concentrations of Cu2+. So, chelation enhanced Cu2+uptake by spinach. The Cu2+-induced proline accumulation in shoots was also determined. The proline content increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing Cu2+concentrations. Free proline is known to accumulate in plants under heavy metals exposure and considered to be involved in stress resistance.