Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Padgett, Jessica [1], Taylor-Bennetts, Stacy [1].

An Investigation of Metal Tolerance and Accumulation in a Rare Plant Species, Pediomelum piedmontanum (Fabaceae).

Pediomelum piedmontanum, “Dixie Mt. Breadroot,” is a rare plant species with only three known populations, one on serpentine in Georgia and two on phyllite in South Carolina. Serpentine [Mg3Si2O5] refers to a mineral and a soil, typically containing high levels of heavy metals. We hypothesize that local adaptations to edaphic metals may provide insight into the limited distribution of this species. We have previously shown that the serpentine population is tolerant from 10-50 µM NiSO4. Our current study investigates Zn tolerance and accumulation in this population. To test for zinc and increased nickel tolerance, seedlings were transplanted into one of following hydroponic solutions: 50 µM ZnSO4, 100 µM ZnSO4 or 100 µM NiSO4. Seedlings enriched with 50 µM ZnSO4 showed zinc tolerance with increased shoot and root growth whereas growth was significantly less than controls in 100 µM ZnSO4 and 100 µM NiSO4 solutions. Zn accumulation from field and experimental leaf samples was determined using the zincon colorimetric test. Zn concentrations in leaves from the field were significantly lower than other legume species. Zn concentrations were greater in the roots than in the shoots in plants propagated with Zn enrichment, which is not unusual since this species has a large taproot. However, to find Zn tolerance up to 50 µM ZnSO4 from a serpentine population in the Southeastern U.S. is a unique discovery. From growth and survivorship studies, it appears that this population has an atypical requirement for Zn and Mg, which will be the focus of future study.

1 - Augusta University, Biological Sciences, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA, 30904, USA

Keywords:
endemic/rare
Serpentine
Metal tolerance
Dixie MT. Breadroot.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB002
Abstract ID:216
Candidate for Awards:None