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Effects of zinc and lead on seed germination of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum, a metal-tolerant plant

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Abstract

The seed germination of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum, an endemic species of Sardinia and Corsica with metal tolerance capability, was evaluated against zinc (Zn; 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L) and lead (Pb; 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L) stress. Seeds were collected in three localities: (a) inside a mine dump highly polluted with these metals, (b) outside but close to this area and (c) far from the metal-polluted site. Germination responses were assessed at 10, 15 and 20 °C, and the percentage, time of germination and mortality of seedlings were evaluated. The taxon showed a high capacity to germinate under Zn and Pb stress, and the germination was never completely inhibited; however, the germination decreased with increasing Zn concentrations, but not under Pb stress. Moreover, the seeds from specimens growing in mining sites appeared to be less affected by Zn stress than seeds coming from the other localities. A successful survival of seedlings during the first days of their development under metal stress and under controlled conditions was detected. Our study suggests that this species may give an important contribution to future phytoremediation programs on mining sites, in which it could be spread by seeds in order to form a vegetation cover.

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Acknowledgements

This work is part of the research project REMINE-REstoration and remediation of abandoned MINE sites, funded by the Fondazione di Sardegna and Regional Sardinian Government (Grant CUP F72F16003160002). We gratefully acknowledge the University of Cagliari for the financial support of the PhD scholarship of Maria Enrica Boi (years 2015–2018).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. BG-SAR - Sardinian Germplasm Bank, HBK - Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio da Laconi, 9-11, 09123, Cagliari, Italy

    M. E. Boi, M. Porceddu & G. Bacchetta

  2. DiSVA - Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, CCB - Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity, University of Cagliari, Viale Sant’Ignazio da Laconi, 11-13, 09123, Cagliari, Italy

    M. E. Boi, M. Porceddu & G. Bacchetta

  3. DICAAR - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Piazza d’Armi 1, 09123, Cagliari, Italy

    M. E. Boi & G. Cappai

  4. DSCG - Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato - Blocco A, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy

    M. E. Boi & G. De Giudici

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  1. M. E. Boi
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  2. M. Porceddu
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  3. G. Cappai
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  4. G. De Giudici
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  5. G. Bacchetta
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by MEB and MP. All authors wrote the original manuscript and contributed substantially to the manuscript improvement and validation.

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Correspondence to M. Porceddu.

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Editorial responsibility: Mehmet Salih Nas.

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Boi, M.E., Porceddu, M., Cappai, G. et al. Effects of zinc and lead on seed germination of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum, a metal-tolerant plant. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 17, 1917–1928 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-019-02589-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-019-02589-9

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