Anatomical differences of poplar (Populus x euramericana clone I-214) roots exposed to zinc excess

Poplar is one of the suitable candidates for phytoremediation due to extensive root system, fast growth rate, easy propagation and high biomass production. Zinc (Zn) is an essential element, but at high concentration becomes toxic to plants, similarly like cadmium (Cd). In order to evaluate the effect of Zn on root tissue development we conducted experiments with poplar (Populus ×euramericana clone I-214) grown in hydroponics. Plants were treated with low (control) and excess level of Zn (1 mM). Changes in the development of apoplasmic barriers - Casparian bands and suberin lamellae in endodermis, as well as lignification of xylem vessels have been investigated. We found that both apoplasmic barriers developed closer to the root apex in higher Zn-treated root when compared with control root. Similar changes were observed in lignification of xylem vessels. For localization of Zn within root tissues, cryo-SEM/EDXMA analyses were used. Most of Zn was localized in the cortical tissues and four-time less Zn was determined in the inner part of the root below the endodermis. This indicates that endodermis serves as efficient barrier of apoplasmic Zn transport across the poplar root.