| Abstrakt: |
Zinc (Zn) toxicity is one of the environmental factors that can have a negative impact on plant growth. To explore this issue, we conducted an experiment using Carthamus tinctoriusplants treated with varying concentrations of ZnSO4⋅7H2O: 0.5 µM (control), 15 µM, and 75 µM for 3 months. Our results indicate that the concentration of 15 µM of Zn did not have an adverse effect on safflower plants, whereas the 75 µM treatment resulted in inhibited plant development, root damage, chlorosis, and a decrease in chlorophyll content in the leaves. Zn content was found to increase in plants treated with Zn, while levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium significantly decreased in the leaves, stems, roots, and florets. This alteration in mineral composition resulted in a nutritional imbalance, which was further accompanied by an increase in water content. Additionally, the treatment with 75 μM of Zn induced notable changes in the content of phenolic compounds in the plants. Soluble sugar content and proline levels were found to accumulate in plants treated with 15 μM Zn, whereas a decrease was observed in plants treated with 75 μM Zn compared with the control. Furthermore, gaïacol and ascorbate peroxidases and superoxide dismutase activities increased in leaves at 15 μM Zn, while they decreased in roots at 75 µM Zn compared with controls. Our findings suggest that excessive Zn levels in plants disrupt the nutritional balance and lead to oxidative stress. These results can provide valuable insights for further investigations into the effects of Zn toxicity and the adaptation process in non-hyperaccumulator plants. |
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