Lanthanum Promotes Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) Roots Growth by Improving Root Activity, Photosynthesis and Respiration

Ying Liu,Juming Zhang

doi:10.3390/plants11030382

Abstract

Lanthanum (La), one of the most active rare earth elements, promotes the growth of turfgrass roots. In this study, the mechanisms by which La influences bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) growth were evaluated by the analyses of root growth, root activity, cell wall polysaccharide content, respiration intensity, ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, the subcellular distribution of mitochondria, transcription in roots, photosynthetic properties, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll content. The application of 0.3 mM La3+ increased root activity, respiration intensity, AAO activity, and the number of mitochondria in the mature cells of bahiagrass roots. La could significantly improve the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll fluorescence of bahiagrass. Differentially expressed genes identified by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing were enriched for GO (Gene Ontology) terms related to energy metabolism and were involved in various KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, TCA (Tricarboxylic Acid) cycle, and sucrose metabolism. These findings indicate that La promotes bahiagrass root growth by improving root activity, photosynthesis, and respiration, which clarifies the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of La and provides a theoretical basis for its use in artificial grassland construction and ecological management projects.

Highlights

Accepted: 27 January 2022Lanthanum (La) belongs to the group of elements known as rare earth elements.Among the fifteen rare earth elements, La is the most active, the most well-studied, and the most widely used
La on on bahiagrass bahiagrass root root growth, growth, itit isis necessary necessary to to first first determine the root nutrient solution cancan be absorbed by bahiagrass
Our findings indicate that La raised the electron transport rate in bahiagrass without increasing the chlorophyll content, indicating that La improved the ability of photosynthetic pigments to capture and transport electrons

Summary

Introduction

Lanthanum (La) belongs to the group of elements known as rare earth elements. Among the fifteen rare earth elements, La is the most active, the most well-studied, and the most widely used. Its application in agricultural production was first proposed in the. More than three decades of systematic research have generated a wealth of literature indicating that La is a beneficial element for plant growth. In terms of vegetative growth, it can promote seed germination and root growth [1], boost metabolism by the enhancement of photosynthesis [2], and promote the absorption of soil mineral elements by the plant [3]. With respect to reproductive growth, it can improve flower formation and fruit set rates [4]

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion