Influence of Fe Nutrition on Photosynthesis in Pb Treated Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Seedlings

Abstract

Influence of iron nutrition in Pb-treated Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle seedlings was investigated by measurement of photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosynthetic pigment content, and biomass production. The data of Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient hydroponically grown plants shows that the presence of Fe in growing media in Pb-treated plants increased Fv/Fm compared to Pb-treated plants without Fe. It was also reduced half time, requiring it to reach maximum fluorescence. Chlorophyll as well as carotenoid content did not decrease in Pb-treated A. altissima plants grown with Fe. There was also no significant reduction in root and shoot biomass in all Pb-treated plants when they were constantly supplied with Fe. These results suggest that Fe nutrition increase tolerance to Pb stress in A. altissima plants. This finding could be useful for improving recultivation methods on Pb-polluted sites.