Differential Root Morphology between Metallicolous and Non-Metallicolous Populations of Rumex japonicus under Copper Stress

Abstract

Two Rumex japonicus populations, one from copper (Cu) mine and the other from uncontaminated site, were studied for root morphology and biomass under Cu stress. Main root length and number of tips of the two populations were both significantly inhibited by Cu treatments. However, those of metallicolous population (MP) were higher than non-metallicolous population (NMP) under Cu stress. Cu treatments significantly inhibited root surface area in NMP while MP showed little difference from control. Cu treatments inhibited average root diameter and root/shoot ratio in NMP, but those in MP were significantly higher than control. Cu treatments significantly inhibited shoot biomass and root biomass in NMP. These results suggested that more assimilates allocated to root and the average root diameter increased under Cu stress to form a greater and stronger root might be partly reasons why R. japonicus can colonize the Cu enriched soils.