PJB-2025-1543
The suitable copper concentration for controlling root entanglement of container-grown seedlings
Zejing Wu, Ying Zhang, Ming Yang, Caifeng Yan, Yuxin Luo, Jiazhao Liu, Meichen Liu and Yumei Zhou
Abstract
Coating high concentrations of copper (Cu) on the inner wall of containers can effectively control root spiraling, but it is not clear whether excessive Cu decreases root activity and absorption function during Cu root pruning. To test it, one-year-old Camphora officinarum seedlings were grown in containers coated with 0, 40, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 g L−1 Cu (OH)2 with latex as the carrier. Over 100 g L−1 Cu (OH)2 completely inhibited root entanglement. Contents of lignin and Cu in the roots under 100 g L−1 Cu (OH)2 was the highest and the Cu transfer coefficient from roots to shoots (TC roots/shoots) was the lowest. Compared with 100 g L−1 Cu (OH)2, 120 g L−1 Cu (OH)2 also maintained higher root activity while having lower lignin and Cu content. Although root circling was best controlled under 160 g L-1 Cu (OH)2, higher TC roots/shoots and less new roots occurrence indicated that root function has been damaged. Notably, 40 and 80 g L-1 Cu (OH)2 not only failed to control root entanglement but also caused Cu toxicity. Our results suggest that lignin deposition effectively immobilizes Cu in roots, thereby mitigating its toxicity to shoots. Suitable Cu concentrations not only effectively control root entanglement but also maintain higher root activity and lower Cu translocation from roots to shoots.
To Cite this article:
Wu, Z., Y. Zhang, M. Yang, C. Yan, Y. Luo, J. Liu, M. Liu and Y. Zhou. 2025. The suitable copper concentration for controlling root entanglement of container-grown seedlings. Pak. J. Bot., 57(5): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2025-5(37)
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