Exogenous application of succinic acid enhances tolerance of Larix olgensis seedling to lead stress

Abstract

Larix olgensis A. Henry (Changbai larch) is a productive commercial species and good candidate for afforestation in northeast China. It is widely planted in lead-stressed soils which can induce oxidative damage in this plant. Increasing tolerance to lead (Pb) stress is therefore of keen interest. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to identify the biomass, physiological responses and Pb accumulation of L. olgensis seedlings to Pb stress under succinic acid (SA) application and to explore the interaction of exogenous SA applications and stress resistance. L. olgensis seedlings were planted in Pb-stressed or unstressed haplic cambisols in pots. In Pb-contaminated soils the seedlings were treated daily with concentrations of SA solutions at a rate approximately equivalent to 0, 0.04, 0.2, 1.0, or 2.0 mmol kg⁻¹ of soil for 10, 20, and 30 days, respectively. Pb treatment induced damage in the seedlings and led to the inhibition of biomass accumulation in roots, stems and leaves, and a rise in Pb accumulation in fine roots and leaves. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage in leaves significantly increased while peroxidase (POD) activities, soluble protein and photosynthetic pigment contents in leaves were all reduced. Physiological toxicity was promoted with increasing Pb treatment times. When Pb-stressed seedlings were exposed to SA (especially 10.0 mmol L⁻¹ over 20 days), the physiological responses for Pb-only were reversed and the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves dramatically increased. SA facilitated Pb uptake in fine roots and leaves but more Pb accumulated in fine roots. The results demonstrate that exogenous SA alleviates Pb-induced oxidative injuries and improves the tolerance of L. olgensis seedlings to Pb stress.

Keywords

Soil Pb stress / Succinic acid / Larix olgensis / Physiological response / Pb uptake

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