Stable isotope analyses reveal impact of Fe and Zn on Cd uptake and translocation by Theobroma cacao

Moore, R. E. T., Ullah, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9367-6741, Dunwell, J. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2147-665X and Rehkämper, M. (2024) Stable isotope analyses reveal impact of Fe and Zn on Cd uptake and translocation by Theobroma cacao. Plants, 13 (4). 551. ISSN 2223-7747 doi: 10.3390/plants13040551

Abstract/Summary

High concentrations of toxic cadmium (Cd) in soils are problematic as the element accumulates in food crops such as rice and cacao. A mitigation strategy to minimise Cd accumulation is to enhance the competitive uptake of plant-essential metals. Theobroma cacao seedlings were grown hydroponically with added Cd. Eight different treatments were used, which included/excluded hydroponic or foliar zinc (Zn) and/or iron (Fe) for the final growth period. Analyses of Cd concentrations and natural stable isotope compositions by multiple collector ICP-MS were conducted. Cadmium uptake and translocation decreased when Fe was removed from the hydroponic solutions, while the application of foliar Zn-EDTA may enhance Cd translocation. No significant differences in isotope fractionation during uptake were found between treatments. Data from all treatments fit a single Cd isotope fractionation model associated with sequestration (seq) of isotopically light Cd in roots and unidirectional mobilisation (mob) of isotopically heavier Cd to the leaves (ε114Cdseq-mob = −0.13‰). This result is in excellent agreement with data from an investigation of 19 genetically diverse cacao clones. The different Cd dynamics exhibited by the clones and seen in response to different Fe availability may be linked to similar physiological processes, such as the regulation of specific transporter proteins.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/115595
Identification Number/DOI	10.3390/plants13040551
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Crop Science Central Services Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Sustainable Land Management
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