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PubMed2004

Responses of hybrid poplar clones and red maple seedlings to ambient O(3) under differing light within a mixed hardwood forest.

The responses of ramets of hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) (HP) clones NE388 and NE359, and seedlings of red maple (Acer rubrum, L.) to ambient ozone (O(3)) were studied during May-September of 2000 and 2001 under natural forest conditions and differing natural sunlight exposures (sun, partial shade and full shade). Ambient O(3) concentrations at the study site reached hourly peaks of 109 and 98 ppb in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Monthly 12-h average O(3) concentrations ranged from 32.3 to 52.9 ppb. Weekly 12-h average photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) within the sun, partial shade and full shade plots ranged from 200 to 750, 50 to 180, and 25 to 75 micromol m(-2) s(-1), respectively. Ambient O(3) exposure induced visible foliar symptoms on HP NE388 and NE359 in both growing seasons, with more severe injury observed on NE388 than on NE359. Slight foliar symptoms were observed on red maple seedlings during the 2001 growing season. Percentage of total leaf area affected (%LAA) was positively correlated with cumulative O(3) exposures. More severe foliar injury was observed on plants grown within the full shade and partial shade plots than those observed on plants grown within the sun plot. Lower light availability within the partial shade and full shade plots significantly decreased net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (g(wv)). The reductions in Pn were greater than reductions in g(wv), which resulted in greater O(3) uptake per unit Pn in plants grown within the partial shade and full shade plots. Greater O(3) uptake per unit Pn was consistently associated with more severe visible foliar injury in all species and/or clones regardless of differences in shade tolerance. These studies suggest that plant physiological responses to O(3) exposure are likely complicated due to multiple factors under natural forest conditions.

Acer↗

PubMed2004

Clonal variation in heavy metal accumulation and biomass production in a poplar coppice culture: I. Seasonal variation in leaf, wood and bark concentrations.

The use of plants to decontaminate soils polluted by heavy metals has received considerable attention in recent years as a low-cost technique. Poplars (Populus spp.) can accumulate relatively high levels of certain metals, and have the added advantage of producing biomass that can be used for energy production. A short rotation coppice culture with 13 poplar clones was established on a former waste disposal site, which was moderately polluted with heavy metals. Total content of metals in leaves, wood and bark were determined in August and October/November. Significant clonal differences in accumulation were found for most metals, although clones with the highest concentration of all metals were not found. Cadmium, zinc and aluminium were most efficiently taken up. The lowest concentration was found in wood; the highest concentrations were generally found in senescing leaves, making removal and treatment of fallen leaves necessary.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

PubMed2005

Seasonal trends in reduced leaf gas exchange and ozone-induced foliar injury in three ozone sensitive woody plant species.

Seasonal trends in leaf gas exchange and ozone-induced visible foliar injury were investigated for three ozone sensitive woody plant species. Seedlings of Populus nigra L., Viburnum lantana L., and Fraxinus excelsior L. were grown in charcoal-filtered chambers, non-filtered chambers and open plots. Injury assessments and leaf gas exchange measurements were conducted from June to October during 2002. All species developed typical ozone-induced foliar injury. For plants exposed to non-filtered air as compared to the charcoal-filtered air, mean net photosynthesis was reduced by 25%, 21%, and 18% and mean stomatal conductance was reduced by 25%, 16%, and 8% for P. nigra, V. lantana, and F. excelsior, respectively. The timing and severity of the reductions in leaf gas exchange were species specific and corresponded to the onset of visible foliar injury.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2005

Canopy profiles of photosynthetic parameters under elevated CO2 and N fertilization in a poplar plantation.

A poplar plantation has been exposed to an elevated CO2 concentration for 5 years using the free air CO2 enrichment (FACE) technique. Even after such a long period of exposure, leaves of Populus x euramericana have not shown clear signs of photosynthetic acclimation. Only at the end of the growing season for shade leaves was a decrease of maximum velocity of carboxylation (Vcmax) observed. Maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) was increased by FACE treatment in July. Assimilation rates at CO2 partial pressure of 400 (A400) and 600 (A600) micromol mol(-1) were not significantly different under FACE treatment. Most notably FACE significantly decreased stomatal conductance (g(s)) both on upper and lower canopy leaves. N fertilization increased N content in the leaves on mass basis (Nm) and specific leaf area (SLA) in both CO2 treatments but did not influence the photosynthetic parameters. These data show that in poplar plantations the long-term effects of elevated CO2 on photosynthesis do not differ considerably from the short-term ones even with N deposition.

Acclimatization↗

PubMed2005

Woody biomass phytoremediation of contaminated brownfield land.

Economic and environmental regeneration of post-industrial landscapes frequently involves some element of re-afforestation or tree planting. We report field trials that evaluate whether woody biomass production is compatible with managing residual trace element contamination in brownfield soils. Large-scale mapping of contamination showed a heterogenous dispersion of metals and arsenic, and highly localised within-site hotspots. Yields of Salix, Populus and Alnus were economically viable, showing that short-rotation coppice has a potentially valuable role in community forestry. Mass balance modelling demonstrated that phytoextraction potentially could reduce contamination hotspots of more mobile elements (Cd and Zn) within a 25-30-year life cycle of the crops. Cd and Zn in stems and foliage of Salix were 4-13 times higher than EDTA-extractable soil concentrations. Lability of other trace elements (As, Pb, Cu, Ni) was not increased 3 years after planting the coppice; woody biomass may provide an effective reduction of exposure (phyto-stabilization) to these less mobile contaminants.

Alnus↗

PubMed2006

Effects of metal-contaminated soil on the performance of young trees growing in model ecosystems under field conditions.

Young Populus tremula, Salix viminalis, Betula pendula and Picea abies trees were grown together in large open-top chambers. The treatments were: without or with (Cu/Zn/Cd/Pb=640/3000/10/90 mg kg-1) metal contamination in the topsoil, irrigation pH 3.5 or 5.5, and acidic or calcareous subsoil. Growth, metal allocation to foliage and wood, as well as leaf gas exchange were measured. Biomass was reduced in P. tremula and B. pendula by the metal-contaminated topsoil relative to uncontaminated topsoil, whereas in P. tremula photosynthesis and transpiration were decreased. These effects were related to the elevated foliar Zn accumulation in P. tremula. S. viminalis showed a significant reduction in growth and an increased Zn and Cd accumulation on acidic vs. calcareous subsoil. Acidic irrigation produced only a few significant effects. P. abies showed the lowest metal uptake and no growth response to metal contamination.

Betula↗

PubMed2006

Effect of submergence-emergence sequence and organic matter or aluminosilicate amendment on metal uptake by woody wetland plant species from contaminated sediments.

Site-specific hydrological conditions affect the availability of trace metals for vegetation. In a greenhouse experiment, the effect of submersion on the metal uptake by the wetland plant species Salix cinerea and Populus nigra grown on a contaminated dredged sediment-derived soil and on an uncontaminated soil was evaluated. An upland hydrological regime for the polluted sediment caused elevated Cd concentrations in leaves and cuttings for both species. Emergence and soil oxidation after initial submersion of a polluted sediment resulted in comparable foliar Cd and Zn concentrations for S. cinerea as for the constant upland treatment. The foliar Cd and Zn concentrations were clearly higher than for submerged soils after initial upland conditions. These results point at the importance of submergence-emergence sequence for plant metal availability. The addition of foliar-based organic matter or aluminosilicates to the polluted sediment-derived soil in upland conditions did not decrease Cd and Zn uptake by S. cinerea.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2006

New exposure-based metric approach for evaluating O(3) risk to North American aspen forests.

The United States and Canada currently use exposure-based metrics to protect vegetation from O(3). Using 5 years (1999-2003) of co-measured O(3), meteorology and growth response, we have developed exposure-based regression models that predict Populus tremuloides growth change within the North American ambient air quality context. The models comprised growing season fourth-highest daily maximum 8-h average O(3) concentration, growing degree days, and wind speed. They had high statistical significance, high goodness of fit, include 95% confidence intervals for tree growth change, and are simple to use. Averaged across a wide range of clonal sensitivity, historical 2001-2003 growth change over most of the 26 Mha P. tremuloides distribution was estimated to have ranged from no impact (0%) to strong negative impacts (-31%). With four aspen clones responding negatively (one responded positively) to O(3), the growing season fourth-highest daily maximum 8-h average O(3) concentration performed much better than growing season SUM06, AOT40 or maximum 1h average O(3) concentration metrics as a single indicator of aspen stem cross-sectional area growth.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2004

Differential expression patterns of two new primary cell wall-related cellulose synthase cDNAs, PtrCesA6 and PtrCesA7 from aspen trees.

Based on elegant molecular genetic analyses, distinct classes of cellulose synthase (CesA) genes have been associated with either primary or secondary cell wall development in Arabidopsis. Here, we report on cloning of two new CesA cDNAs, PtrCesA6 and PtrCesA7 involved in the primary cell wall development in aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees. Both these distinct cDNAs, isolated from a developing xylem cDNA library, share only 60-67% identities with each other as well as with five other previously known aspen CesA cDNAs. Interestingly, PtrCESA6 from aspen, a dicot species, shares maximum identity of 81-84% with three CESA isoforms from maize and rice, two monocot species. On the other hand, PtrCESA7 shares a maximum identity of 86% with AtCESA2, a primary wall-related CesA member from Arabidopsis, a dicot species. Gene expression analyses by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) suggested that both these genes are expressed at a low level in all aspen tissues examined but PtrCesA7 is expressed at a higher level than PtrCesA6. While corroborating these results, in situ mRNA hybridization studies using three different aspen organs also suggested that PtrCesA6 and PtrCesA7 genes are expressed in all expanding cells depositing primary cell wall but PtrCesA7 is expressed at a higher level than PtrCesA6. These differential gene expression profiles suggest that each of these CesAs may be playing a specific role during primary cell wall development in aspen trees. Isolation of two primary wall related CesA genes from xylem tissues also suggest their importance during xylem development, which is traditionally considered to be enriched in secondary cell wall forming cells of economical significance.

Blotting, Southern↗

PubMed2006

Regioselectivity of 7-O-methyltransferase of poplar to flavones.

POMT-7, an O-methyltransferase from poplar (Populus deltoids) was used to modify a variety of flavonoid compounds. POMT-7 was able to transfer a methyl group to several flavonoids containing a C-7 hydroxyl group. However, POMT-7 showed a higher affinity toward flavonol and flavone such as apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin than flavanone and isoflavone. Based on comparison of HPLC retention times with authentic compounds and corresponding nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data, the methylation position of the reaction products was determined to be at the hydroxyl group of C-7. Biotransformation kinetics indicated that the enzyme converted more than 80% of the apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin substrates, which were added at concentration of 70 microM, into corresponding 7-methoxy compounds within 24 h.

Flavones↗

PubMed2005

Phytoremediation and long-term site management of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP) and heavy metals.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) previously used as a timber treatment chemical to prevent sap stain and wood rot. Commonly used in wood treatment industries for the last 50 years, there are now many sites worldwide that are contaminated with PCP. Although persistent, PCP is a mobile contaminant and therefore has a propensity to leach and contaminate surrounding environments. Both willow (Salix sp., 'Tangoio') and poplar (Populus sp. 'Kawa') growing in an open-ended plastic greenhouse were found to tolerate soil PCP concentrations of 250 mg kg(-1) or less and both species stimulated a significant increase in soil microbial activity when compared to unplanted controls. Both poplar and willow could not survive PCP concentrations above 250 mg kg(-1) in soil. Pentachlorophenol degradation occurred in both planted and unplanted pots, but a higher rate of degradation was observed in the planted pots. Soil contaminated by wood-treatment activities often contains co-contaminants such as B, Cr, Cu and As, that are also used as timber preservatives. An additional column leaching experiment, done along side the potted trial, found that PCP, B, Cr, Cu and As were all present in the column leachate. This indicates that although Cu, Cr and As are generally considered immobile in the soil, they were mobilised under our column conditions. If a contaminated site were to be hydraulically 'sealed' using plants, a reticulation irrigation system should be installed to capture any contaminant leachate resulting from heavy rains. This captured leachate can either be independently treated, or reapplied to the site. Our data demonstrate a reduction in soil hydraulic conductivity with repeated application of leachate containing PCP and metal compounds but the soil did not become anaerobic. This would need to be considered in site remediation design.

Metals, Heavy↗

PubMed2006

Exotic flora dependence of an unusual Brazilian propolis: the pinocembrin biomarker by capillary techniques.

Significant amounts of pinocembrin (>10%), a dihydroxy-flavanone, was found in the composition of an unusual brand of a subtropical Brazilian propolis. Incidentally, this sealing material was obtained from hives surrounding a large forestry site based on a single exotic flora, namely poplar (Populus sp.). Examination of the different botanical parts of poplar revealed the buds as the main source of the flavanone. Techniques used for the establishment of the chemical correlation between the propolis brand and the poplar buds were TLC/densitometry, capillary GC-MS in the e.i. mode, and CZE with DAD monitoring. Since color enhancement after Al3+ complexation applies just for more hydroxylated flavonoids, the alternative techniques herein applied were of value for pinocembrin detection and estimation. Analytical data indicated the dominance of the main phenolic pinocembrin biomarker as well as the presence of other related flavonoids in the botanical source and in the propolis derived thereof.

Aluminum↗

PubMed2004

The thioredoxin h system of higher plants.

In plants, thioredoxins h are encoded by a multigenic family of genes (eight in Arabidopsis thaliana, at least five in Populus sp.). The multiplicity of these isoforms raises the question of their specificity. This review focuses on thioredoxins h in two plant models: Arabidopsis and poplar. Thioredoxins h can be divided into three different subgroups according to the analysis of their primary structure. This paper describes the biochemical properties of each subgroup. Recent data in the field indicate that subgroup members differ by their subcellular localization as well as their reduction pathways suggesting specific functions for each subgroup. The development of proteomic tools has also increased considerably the number of potential thioredoxin targets, showing the importance of thioredoxins h in plants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Lignin isolated from primary walls of hybrid aspen cell cultures indicates significant differences in lignin structure between primary and secondary cell wall.

Hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x tremuloides) cell cultures were grown for 7, 14 and 21 days. The cell cultures formed primary cell walls but no secondary cell wall according to carbohydrate analysis and microscopic characterization. The primary walls were lignified, increasingly with age, according to Klason lignin analysis. Presence of lignin in the primary walls, with a higher content in 21-day old cells than in 7-day old cells, was further supported by phloroglucinol/HCl reagent test and confocal microscopy after both immunolocalization and staining with acriflavin. Both laccase and peroxidase activity were found in the cultures and the activity increased during lignin formation. The lignin from the cell culture material was compared to lignin from mature aspen wood, where most of the lignin originates in the secondary cell wall, and which served as our secondary cell wall control. Lignin from the cell walls was isolated and characterized by thioacidolysis followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The lignin in the cell cultures differed from lignin of mature aspen wood in that it consisted exclusively of guaiacyl units, and had a more condensed structure. Five lignin structures were identified by mass spectrometry in the cell suspension cultures. The results indicate that the hybrid aspen cell culture used in this investigation may be a convenient experimental system for studies of primary cell wall lignin.

Cell Wall↗

PubMed2006

Lignin composition in cambial tissues of poplar.

The cambial tissues of a Populus balsamifera, Balsam poplar clone were studied during a growth season. The Klason and acid-soluble lignin contents were determined as well as the carbohydrate monomer distribution and the protein content. Both the phloem and the xylem sides of the cambial region were examined. The samples were analyzed by thioacidolysis and structures of dimeric products were determined by mass spectrometry after desulphuration. Chemical analysis of samples during the growth season was combined with microscopy of embedded specimens that showed the state of cell differentiation at the time of sampling. In spring and early summer, growth is very rapid and the intention was to collect tissue in which exclusively the middle lamella/primary cell wall had begun to lignify. The Klason lignin, protein content and carbohydrate monomer distribution showed that all the specimens from the cambial tissues sampled during a growth season contained predominantly middle lamella and primary walls; except for the developing xylem sampled in August where the carbohydrate composition showed that secondary walls were present. Thioacidolysis showed that the lignin from the cambial tissues had more condensed structures than the lignin from the reference balsam poplar clone wood. More guaiacyl than syringyl units were detected and mass spectrometry showed that the cambial tissues contained more lignin structures with end-groups than the reference sample. These results suggest that lignification in the cambial layer and early developing xylem may take place predominantly in a bulk fashion during the summer.

Lignin↗

PubMed2004

Seasonal concentrations of cadmium and zinc in native pasture plants: consequences for grazing animals.

Aboveground concentrations of Cd and Zn in various grazing plants at three stages of the growing season are reported. The plants were collected at a natural habitat exposed to extensive atmospheric deposition of heavy metals from other parts of Europe. Concentrations of both metals varied considerably among species, also among morphologically similar species growing in the same soil. The two metals correlated in the material as a whole, but the concentration variations were most pronounced for Cd. There were also seasonal variations (generally a concentration reduction during spring). Transfer of metals from twigs to leaves seemed to differ between 'high' and 'low' metal accumulators. The inter-species and seasonal variations in plant metal concentrations complicate assessments of metal exposure to grazing animals through diet. By using diet information from a study conducted in an area similar to the present one, we roughly estimated a daily intake of 1-2 mg Cd for moose (Alces alces) in the autumn. Among the plant species investigated, Populus and Salix species were by far the most important Cd contributors. In areas where high Cd accumulators grow more widely, the daily Cd intake by moose could be as high as 7 mg or more.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Metal uptake by young trees from dredged brackish sediment: limitations and possibilities for phytoextraction and phytostabilisation.

Five tree species (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Alnus glutinosa L. Gaertn., Fraxinus excelsior L., Populus alba L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) were planted on a mound constructed of dredged sediment. The sediment originated from a brackish river mouth and was slightly polluted with heavy metals. This preliminary study evaluated the use of trees for site reclamation by means of phytoextraction of metals or phytostabilisation. Although the brackish nature of the sediment caused slight salt damage, overall survival of the planted trees was satisfactory. Robinia and white poplar had the highest growth rates. Ash, maple and alder had the highest survival rates (>90%) but showed stunted growth. Ash, alder, maple and Robinia contained normal concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in their foliage. As a consequence these species reduce the risk of metal dispersal and are therefore suitable species for phytostabilisation under the given conditions. White poplar accumulated high concentrations of Cd (8.0 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (465 mg kg(-1)) in its leaves and might therefore cause a risk of Cd and Zn input into the ecosystem because of autumn litter fall. This species is thus unsuitable for phytostabilisation. Despite elevated metal concentrations in the leaves, phytoextraction of heavy metals from the soil by harvesting stem and/or leaf biomass of white poplar would not be a realistic option because it will require an excessive amount of time to be effective.

Acer↗

PubMed2004

Poplar genome sequence: functional genomics in an ecologically dominant plant species.

In addition to their value for wood products, members of the genus Populus (poplars) provide a range of ecological services, including carbon sequestration, bioremediation, nutrient cycling, biofiltration and diverse habitats. They are also widely used model organisms for tree molecular biology and biotechnology. The sequencing of the poplar genome to an approximately 6x depth adds to a long list of important attributes for research. These include facile transformation, vegetative propagation, rapid growth, modest genome size and extensive expressed sequence tags. Here, we discuss how the genome sequence and transformability of poplar, together with its high levels of genetic and ecological diversity, are enabling new insights into the genetic programs controlling ontogeny, ecological adaptation and environmental physiology of trees.

Ecosystem↗