The suitable copper concentration for controlling root entanglement of container-grown seedlings | [Pakistan Journal of Botany • 2025]

Author(s):

1. ZEJING WU: School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology,Shanghai, 201418,China

2. YING ZHANG: School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology,Shanghai, 201418,China

3. MING YANG: Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Changchun, ,China;School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology,Shanghai ,China

4. CAIFENG YAN: School of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College,Changzhi, Shanxi Provance, Changzhi ,China

5. YUXIN LUO: School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology,Shanghai, ,China

6. JIAZHAO LIU: The Eighth Group of Geological and Mineral Exploration Development Bureau,Shandong Province, Shandong ,China

7. MEICHEN LIU: The Eighth Group of Geological and Mineral Exploration Development Bureau,Shandong Province, Shandong , China

8. YUMEI ZHOU: School of Ecological Technology and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology,Shanghai ,China

Abstract:

Coating high concentrations of copper (Cu) on the inner wall of containers can effectively control root spiraling, but it is not clear whether excessive Cu decreases root activity and absorption function during Cu root pruning. To test it, one-yearold Camphora officinarum seedlings were grown in containers coated with 0, 40, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 with latex as the carrier. Over 100 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 completely inhibited root entanglement. Contents of lignin and Cu in the roots under 100 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 was the highest and the Cu transfer coefficient from roots to shoots (TC roots/shoots) was the lowest. Compared with 100 g L-1 Cu (OH)2, 120 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 also maintained higher root activity while having lower lignin and Cu content. Although root circling was best controlled under 160 g L-1 Cu (OH)2, higher TC roots/shoots and less new roots occurrence indicated that root function has been damaged. Notably, 40 and 80 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 not only failed to control root entanglement but also caused Cu toxicity. Our results suggest that lignin deposition effectively immobilizes Cu in roots, thereby mitigating its toxicity to shoots. Suitable Cu concentrations not only effectively control root entanglement but also maintain higher root activity and lower Cu translocation from roots to shoots.

Page(s): 1647-1655

DOI: 10.30848/PJB2025-5(37)

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany, Volume: 57, Issue: 5, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Root activity , lignin , Cu content , Cu translocation

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