Impact of copper toxicity on stone-head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) in hydroponics

Abstract

Arable soils are frequently subjected to contamination with copper as the consequence of imbalanced fertilization with manure and organic fertilizers and/or extensive use of copper-containing fungicides. In the present study, the exposure of stone-head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) to elevated Cu 2+ levels resulted in leaf chlorosis and lesser biomass yield at ≥2 μM. Root nitrate content was not statistically affected by Cu 2+ levels, although it was substantially decreased at ≥5 μM Cu 2+ in the shoot. The decrease in nitrate contents can be related to lower nitrate uptake rates because of growth inhibition by Cu-toxicity. Shoot sulfate content increased strongly at ≥2 μM Cu 2+ indicating an increase in demand for sulfur under Cu stress. Furthermore, at ≥2 μM concentration, concentration of water-soluble non-protein thiol increased markedly in the roots and to a smaller level in the shoot. When exposed to elevated concentrations of Cu 2+ the improved sulfate and water-soluble non-protein thiols need further studies for the evaluation of their direct relation with the synthesis of metal-chelating compounds (i.e., phytochelatins).