Cu induced changes of ultrastructure and bioaccumulation in the leaf of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)

ABSTRACT

The effects of Copper (Cu) on growth of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla (Carr.) Mitford cv. pubescens) were investigated. The dry weight of Moso bamboo was inhibited and significant differences were evident under Cu stress as compared to the control (CK). Solution culture experiments indicated that Moso bamboo had a strong ability to accumulate Cu in shoots. Copper accumulation in the stem was stronger than the leaves; the stem/root ratio could reach 0.20 under Cu stress. The changes in cell walls, stomata, vacuoles, and starch grains content were observed via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that the excessive Cu concentrations caused deformities in the chloroplasts and transformation and even disappearance of endoplasmic reticulum. Moso bamboo as an experimental material serves as a new tool for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils due to its metal tolerance and excessive biomass production.

KEYWORDS:

• micronutrient
• phytoextraction
• scanning electron microscopy
• solution culture
• transmission electron microscopy

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Prof. Donald L. Sparks from University of Delaware for helping in revising this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The study was financially supported through a Grant from the Natural Science Foundation of China (31300520), Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province (2014C33043), Science Technology department of Zhejiang province (2013c33016), and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. LY12C16004).