6-Benzylaminopurine mediated augmentation of cadmium phytostabilization potential in Strobilanthes alternata

Abstract

This study unveiled the cadmium phytoremediation potential and its augmentation using 6-Benzylaminopurine in Strobilanthes alternata. Cadmium stress was provided by applying 250 mg/kg cadmium chloride in soil and 25 ppm of 6-BAP (25 ml) was administered to the plants as foliar spray. The results revealed high bioconcentration factor (BCF) (18.82 ± 0.54) and low translocation factor (TF) values (0.055 ± 0.002) for the plant based on which we strongly recommend S. alternata as a promising candidate for Cd phytoremediation. The phytostabilization potential of the plant was further enhanced by applying 6-BAP, which augmented its BCF to 22.09 ± 0.64 and reduced the TF to 0.038 ± 0.001. Cd toxicity caused a reduction of plant growth parameters, root volume, adaxial-abaxial stomatal indices, relative water content, tolerance index, moisture content, membrane stability index, and xylem vessel diameter in S. alternata. However, Cd + 6-BAP treated plants exhibited an increase of the same compared to Cd-treated plants. FTIR analysis of Cd + 6-BAP treated plants revealed increased deposition of hemicellulose, causing enhanced retention of Cd in the root xylem walls, which is largely responsible for increased phytostabilization of Cd. Therefore, 6-BAP application in S. alternata can be exploited to restore Cd-contaminated areas effectively.

STATEMENT OF NOVELTY

The research paper “6-Benzylaminopurine Mediated Augmentation of Cadmium Phytostabilization Potential in Strobilanthes alternata” has established the Cd phytostabilization potential of the plant Strobilanthes alternata and also identified the role of 6-BAP in augmenting the Cd phytoremediation potential of this plant for the very first time. The physiological and anatomical changes in relation to the applied stress signals were also studied for the first time in S. alternata.

Keywords:

• Anatomy
• heavy metal
• physiology
• phytoremediation
• stress alleviation

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Devagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala, India and University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, India for providing the facilities to conduct the research work.

Author contributions

Conceptualization: APC, NGS, DPS and SAM; Writing original draft: APC and NGS; Reviewing and Editing: APC, NGS, SAM, DPS and SG.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Authors confirm that all relevant data are included in the article and would be ready to share upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The study was conducted with the financial support received from University Grants Commission, New Delhi through Junior Research Fellowship [KL1216200175].