Analysis of tolerance to copper and zinc in Aechmea blanchetiana grown in vitro

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and development of Aechmea blanchetiana Baker L.B. Sm. in vitro on medium with 0.0, 0.145, 1.45 and 14.5 mu M Cu and 0.0, 2.75, 27.5 and 275 mu M Zn. Significant accumulation of Cu and Zn occurred at 14.5 mu M Cu and 27.5 and 275 mu M Zn, respectively, and there were no significant changes in contents of the other macro-and micronutrients. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly changed in the presence of both metals. Spermine content increased as Zn concentration increased and decreased with increasing concentrations of Cu. There was an accumulation of H2O2 in the leaf tissue of plants grown in 1.45 and 14.5 mu M Cu and 27.5 and 275 mu M Zn. A. blanchetiana was found tolerant to the Cu and Zn in concentrations used in this study and displays the capacity to accumulate these metals.