Boron decreases cadmium influx into root cells of Capsicum annuum by altering cell wall components and plasmalemma permeability

Large areas of soil are boron (B) deficient and contaminated with cadmium (Cd) in southern China. The aim of this study was to select the optimal B supply level and elucidate the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms to understand how B reduces Cd influx into root cells of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum). An experiment was conducted to investigate the changes in Cd accumulation with B supply. Hot pepper seedlings were grown in two nutrient solutions containing 0.05- and 0.2-mg Cd L-1 and supplied with six different B concentrations for 2 weeks. The other experiment was conducted to determine the Cd2+ flux into cells, cell wall components, antioxidative ability, and plasmalemma permeability of root tips of hot pepper exposed to 0.1-mg Cd L-1 in the presence and absence of B. The results showed that the optimal B concentration to promote plant growth and reduce Cd accumulation was 0.25 mg L-1. Moreover, B application significantly decreased Cd2+ influx into cells, increased the contents of lignin and pectin, enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, reduced the production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased membrane peroxidation and permeability. Overall, boron in moderation can promote plant growth, maintain the normal structures and functions of the cell wall and membrane, and thus decrease Cd2+ influx into root cells and subsequently Cd translocation to shoots. Consequently, B is a reliable inhibitor of Cd uptake, and the functional and structural integrity of cell walls and membranes may have some relevance to reduced Cd uptake after B application.

Automated summary

The study found that the optimal concentration of boron to promote plant growth and reduce cadmium accumulation was 0.25 mg/L. Boron application significantly decreased cadmium influx into cells, increased lignin and pectin content, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced reactive oxygen species production, and decreased membrane peroxidation and permeability.