Transport of cadmium from soil to grain in cereal crops: A review

Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, many soils for crop production are contaminated by cadmium(Cd), a heavy metal highly toxic to many organisms. Cereal crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley are the primary dietary source of Cd for humans, and reducing Cd transfer from soil to their grains is therefore an important issue for food safety. During the last decade, great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of Cd transport, particularly in rice. Inter-and intraspecific variations in Cd accumulation have been observed in cereal crops. Transporters for Cd have been identified in rice and other cereal crops using genotypic differences in Cd accumulation and mutant approaches. These transporters belong to different transporter families and are involved in the uptake, vacuolar sequestration, root-to-shoot translocation, and distribution of Cd. Attempts have been made to reduce Cd accumulation in grains by manipulating these transporters through overexpression or knockout of the transporter genes, as well as through marker-assisted selection breeding based on genotypic differences in Cd accumulation in the grains. In this review, we describe recent progress on molecular mechanisms of Cd accumulation in cereal crops and compare different molecular strategies for minimizing Cd accumulation in grains.     

Breeding of a practical rice line ‘TJTT8’ for phytoextraction of cadmium contamination in paddy fields

ABSTRACT

Previously, we showed that qCdp7, an allele identified in the high-Cd-accumulating indica rice variety ‘Jarjan,’ is associated with effective phytoextraction of Cd from paddy soils. However, ‘Jarjan’ may not be practical for phytoextraction because it is susceptible to seed shattering and culm lodging, which are unfavorable traits for mechanical rice harvesting. In this study, to develop a practical rice line for phytoextraction, we introduced the qCdp7 allele into ‘Tachisugata,’ a rice variety with a nonshattering habit and lodging resistance, to produce a new high-Cd-accumulating rice line designated ‘TJTT8.’ This line inherited high-Cd accumulation and brown pericarps from ‘Jarjan’ and a nonshattering habit and lodging resistance from ‘Tachisugata;’ all of these traits are necessary for rice intended for Cd phytoextraction in Japan. Backcross inbred lines (BILs) were produced by two backcrosses to ‘Tachisugata’ after a cross between ‘Jarjan’ and ‘Tachisugata.’ ‘TJTT8’ was selected from the BILs by means of marker-assisted selection and phenotypic evaluation. When ‘TJTT8,’ the parents, and ‘Cho-ko-koku’ which is a high-Cd-accumulating indica variety were cultivated in Cd-contaminated paddy fields in four locations in Japan, ‘TJTT8’ exhibited lodging resistance and shattering resistance that were higher than those of ‘Jarjan’ and ‘Cho-ko-koku’ and equivalent to those of ‘Tachisugata.’ ‘TJTT8’ accumulated Cd in the aerial parts of the plants at concentrations ranging from 6.5 to 22.7 mg m^?2: it showed significantly higher Cd accumulation than ‘Tachisugata’ and was equivalent to ‘Jarjan’ and slightly superior to ‘Cho-ko-koku.’ Soil Cd concentration was estimated to have been reduced by 8.7–33.6% based on the amount of Cd accumulation in the aerial parts of the plants. Thus, we succeeded in using the qCdp7 allele to produce a practical rice line for Cd phytoextraction by improving several agronomic traits for compatibility with Japanese cultivation systems.     

Genotypic variation in grain cadmium concentration of lowland rice

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of paddy rice soils is commonly observed in the Yangtse River Delta, China. Large Cd uptake by rice plants and its translocation into the grains can entail human‐health risks. Genotypic variations in Cd uptake and a differential Cd partitioning into grains will be the basis for developing a rice screening or breeding tool for low grain Cd. A field experiment, conducted at the experimental farm of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province from 2002 to 2004, compared 38 rice genotypes of different types (indica vs. japonica) collected from the Yangtse River Delta. The results showed large differences in Cd concentrations in straw, brown rice, and grain chaff among the rice genotypes grown on Cd‐contaminated soil. Concentrations in brown rice ranged from 0.06 to 0.99 mg Cd kg^–1. The total Cd uptake in brown rice varied between 0.96 and 28.58 μg plant ^{– 1}. In general, indica‐type cultivars accumulated significantly more Cd than the japonica‐type cultivars. The Cd concentration in straw was highly correlated with that in brown rice. While significant differences in the Cd‐partitioning ratio (% share of total Cd uptake found in brown rice) among rice genotypes were observed, these were not correlated with Cd concentration of brown rice. This indicates that the Cd accumulation in rice grains appears to be governed mainly by the Cd uptake by the plant and probably not by differential Cd partitioning. The large genotypic variation suggests the possibility to lower the Cd content of rice by genotype selection. The development of such breeding tools should focus on low Cd uptake rather than Cd partitioning between straw and grain.     

Iron deficiency enhances cadmium uptake and translocation mediated by the Fe2+ transporters OsIRT1 and OsIRT2 in rice

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice grains is enhanced if ponded water is released from paddy fields during the reproductive stage (intermittent irrigation). The release of ponded water creates aerobic soil conditions under which Cd becomes soluble and iron (Fe) solubility decreases. We hypothesized that Fe shortage in rice induces Fe uptake and translocation and that Cd is also taken up and translocated throughout this process. Hydroponically cultured Fe-deficient rice absorbed more Cd than did Fe-sufficient rice, and the presence of Fe enhanced the translocation of Cd to the shoots. Yeast mutants expressing OsIRT1 and OsIRT2, which encode the rice Fe²⁺ transporter, became more sensitive to Cd, suggesting that Cd was absorbed by OsIRT1 and OsIRT2. We discuss the possibility that Cd accumulation in rice grains during the reproductive stage is mediated by the Fe transport system.     

低镉累积水稻品种的筛选方法研究——品种与类型

选择6种水稻（Ooza sativa L．）（2种常规稻,2种两系杂交稻,2种三系杂交稻,其中均有1种为超级稻）以及上坝镉污染水稻土为材料,采用全生育期淹水和水稻抽穗后排水处理进行盆栽试验,研究了低Cd水稻品种按品种和类型筛选的可行性。结果表明,水稻品种间存在显著差异。水稻对Cd的吸收及籽粒积累依水分管理和品种而变化,水分管理影响远远高于基因型影响。在两种水分管理中,水稻品种间精米Cd含量的排名顺序基本一致,从而表明在低污染水平土壤上,水稻对Cd的累积品种间存在一定的稳定性。而水稻类型间Cd含量没有显著差异,因此按照水稻类型来筛选是不可行的,应针对品种来筛选并对筛选出来的稳定的品种进行重点研究。抽穗后排水处理的水稻对Cd的吸收与籽粒积累十分强烈,就地消费人群的籽粒Cd暴露风险水平达到数倍于临界摄入剂量水平。因此,在Cd污染土壤中栽培必须考虑水分管理对水稻吸收Cd的影响与籽粒Cd的暴露风险。     

A Meta-Analysis on Phenotypic Variation in Cadmium Accumulation of Rice and Wheat: Implications for Food Cadmium Risk Control

In some densely-populated countries, farmland has been widely cadmium (Cd) contaminated, and the utilization of the contaminated farmland for crop production is currently unavoidable. This necessitates the use of low-Cd crops (i.e., pollution-safe cultivars, the crop varieties with the ability to accumulate a low level of Cd in their edible parts when grown on polluted soil) in these areas and highlights the importance of knowledge on phenotypic variation in crop Cd accumulation for food Cd risk control. Studies on phenotypic variation in heavy metal accumulation started decades ago for a wide range of crops, and synthesis of the scattered experimental results in the literature is in need. We built a Low-Cd Crops Database based on literature research, and relevant meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively explore the phenotypic variation in Cd uptake and translocation of rice and wheat. Considerable variability existed among rice (median grain Cd bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 0.10) and wheat (median grain Cd BCF of 0.21) phenotypes in grain Cd accumulation, and this variability was labile to soil pH and the level of Cd stress. Wheat statistically had a higher root-to-shoot Cd-translocating ability than rice, highlighting potential food Cd risks and the importance of growing low-Cd wheat in slightly Cd-contaminated regions. Meanwhile, no correlations were detected among soil-to-root, root-to-shoot, and shoot-to-grain translocation factors, implying that Cd uptake and internal translocation in crops were probably controlled by different underlying genetic mechanisms. Root-to-shoot Cd transport could be a favorable target trait for selecting and breeding low-Cd rice and wheat. In all, this review provides a comprehensive low-Cd crop list for remediation practice and a systematic meta-analysis inferring food Cd risks based on plant capacity for Cd accumulation and desired traits for low-Cd crop breeding.     

Attenuation of inorganic arsenic and cadmium in rice grains using by-product iron materials from the casting industry combined with different water management practices

We examined the effect of two types of iron (Fe) material produced by the casting industry (spent steel shot [SSS] and residual iron material from steel shot production) on the mobility of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in soils. We also examined the uptake of these elements by rice plants (Oryza Sativa L.) under continuously flooded (CF) and water-saving (WS) cultivation. The application of both Fe materials (at 10 and 30 t ha^?1) strictly limited As mobilization in soils under CF cultivation. As a result, As uptake by rice plants declined, along with the total and inorganic As (iAs) concentration in rice grains. In comparison, As immobilization caused by the application of Fe material was less clear under WS cultivation. The rate of Fe material application was negatively correlated with As uptake by rice plants. It was also negatively correlated with total and iAs concentration in rice grains under both water management practices. The combination of applying Fe materials and WS cultivation decreased iAs concentration in rice grains to approximately one-fifth of that in rice grains produced from plants grown on soils without Fe material application under CF cultivation. CF cultivation strictly decreased dissolved Cd in soils, as well as Cd in rice grains with and without Fe material application. The application of Fe materials decreased Cd mobility and, hence, Cd uptake in rice plants, ultimately reducing the accumulation of Cd in rice grains under WS cultivation. Residual Fe material had a statistically greater effect at attenuating Cd accumulation in rice grains than SSS. The present study demonstrated the potential of combining by-product Fe material application and water management practices to attenuate iAs and/or Cd concentrations in rice grains. Practical countermeasures should be carefully adopted that consider the existing risks of iAs and Cd on each paddy field, and the combined effect of Fe material application and water management practices.     

Phytoextraction by high-Cd-accumulating rice to reduce Cd in wheat grains grown in Cd-polluted fields

Abstract

Phytoextraction using indica rice plants (Indian Rice Oryza ssp.) is a promising technique for remediating cadmium (Cd)-polluted paddy fields. Because this technique has only been established for paddy fields, we decided to examine phytoextraction in upland fields that have been converted from paddy fields. Although “CHOKOUKOKU” shows a shattering habit and lodging, its Cd uptake was significantly higher than that of other indica rice varieties. On the other hand, “IR8”, which was able to accumulate only moderate levels of Cd in its shoots, has a lodging tolerance, making it an optimal variety for southwest Japan, which experiences several typhoons each year. Therefore, both “CHOKOUKOKU” and “IR8” were useful in estimating practical phytoextraction in upland fields. A practical phytoextraction examination showed that the total Cd uptake of “CHOKOUKOKU” and “IR8” was 822 and 545 g ha^?1, respectively, after a 4-year period. After phytoextraction by planting high Cd-accumulating rice plants, the Cd concentration of the plot soil decreased by approximately 35%, compared to the initial Cd concentration. To evaluate phytoextraction efficiency in the upland field, wheat (Triticum aestivum) was subsequently grown in the remediation field. The Cd concentration in the grains of “SHIROGANEKOMUGI” grown in the phytoextraction plot was lower than that grown in a non-phytoextraction plot; regrettably, it exceeded the Codex Alimentarius Commission standard, whereas the grain Cd concentrations of “CHUGOKU165” planted in phytoextraction plots complied with the Codex standard for wheat grain. These results suggest that phytoextraction using high Cd-accumulating rice varieties is a practical remediation system for low Cd-polluted upland fields. Moreover, we determined the end point of the phytoextraction process, which occurs when the soil Cd concentration of the phytoextraction fields is less than 0.6 mg kg^?1 if “CHUGOKU165” is cultivated in this area.     

Field survey study on the difference in Cd accumulation capacity of rice and wheat in rice-wheat rotation area

Purpose

In the rice-wheat rotation area, Cd contamination affects food safety of rice and wheat. However, there have been conflicting results and different conclusions on the difference in Cd accumulation capacity of rice and wheat, and the factors that led to the difference were not clear.

Materials and methods

A field survey study was conducted by collecting 60 soil and grain samples in pairs during rice and wheat harvest in 30 long-term rice-wheat rotation areas with clean and mild Cd contamination in Jiangsu Province, China. The soil physicochemical properties, total Cd, soil available Cd, and grain Cd were determined, and the factors affecting Cd accumulation in rice and wheat were analyzed.

Results and discussion

The soil pH during wheat season (22 sampling points) was slightly higher than that during rice season; thus, soil available Cd in wheat was generally lower (with an average three times lower) than that in rice soil. The mean Cd content in rice grain was only half of that in wheat grain, and the Cd concentration in rice and bioconcentration factor of rice at 26 sampling points (86.7% of total samples) were lower than those of wheat, indicating that Cd accumulation capacity of wheat was stronger than that of rice. Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression models revealed that the main factors affecting the difference of Cd accumulation in rice and wheat were soil pH and available Cd content in soil.

Conclusions

The Cd accumulation capacity of wheat was higher than that of rice, especially in neutral and alkaline soil, and the Cd contents in rice and wheat grain depended on the soil pH and available Cd content. The food security risk of wheat was more noteworthy than rice in rice-wheat rotation area.

     

Italian ryegrass–rice rotation system for biomass production and cadmium removal from contaminated paddy fields

Purpose

Growing energy plants in Cd-contaminated soil to produce bioenergy feedstock and remove excess Cd in the soil is a promising approach to the production of sustainable bioenergy feedstock and safe food. Rice, an important staple food for human beings, is a major source of Cd intake in human beings. Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) is a potential bioenergy plant with high biomass productivity and high biofuel conversion efficiency.

Materials and methods

An Italian ryegrass and rice crop rotation system would be beneficial for the harvest of bioenergy and phytoremediation. An Italian ryegrass–rice rotation system was established in a moderately Cd-contaminated paddy field. The yield of biomass, amount of Cd removal, and transfer factors for three cropping systems (winter fallow, non-cutting, and cutting) were evaluated over 3 consecutive years of field experiments.

Results and discussion

The total biomass production of the Italian ryegrass–rice rotation system was significantly higher than that of the traditional cropping system. Biomass growth was further promoted by cutting during March. No significant differences were found in yield or Cd concentration of brown rice among the different cropping systems. Total Cd accumulation in rice and Italian ryegrass straw in the rotation cropping system was significantly higher than that in the winter fallow cropping system. Cd was mainly accumulated in the roots, and the ability of Italian ryegrass to transport Cd to the leaves was higher than that of rice.

Conclusions

The Italian ryegrass–rice rotation system is a potential cropping system for Cd-contaminated paddy fields. The average annual yield of biomass was 1656.6 kg km^?2, and the average annual amount of Cd removal was more than 9.8 g Cd km^?2.

     

低镉水稻研究进展

稻米镉污染已成为全球粮食安全的一个重大问题。系统了解水稻体内镉响应基因调控机制及镉代谢的影响因素有助于推动低镉优质水稻新品种的培育。本文重点阐述了镉进入根细胞、镉从根转移至茎、从茎转移至籽粒的三种机制及主要影响因素,同时对目前已知的水稻镉代谢调控相关基因进行了综述,以期为利用分子育种技术选育低镉积累水稻品种提供参考。     

苏州市不同区域水稻籽粒重金属积累特征与健康风险评价

以苏州市7个县市的水稻籽粒为研究对象,在2006年采集的449份水稻籽粒样品的基础上,分析了稻米中Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr和Zn的积累特征,并评价了样品的健康风险。结果显示,苏州市水稻籽粒重金属积累平均含量均不超标,但水稻籽粒Pb存在29．49％的样点超标率,Cu、Cd和Cr的超标样点一般在4个以下。单因子污染指数评价结果显示,水稻籽粒重金属元素污染指数高低顺序为Pb＞Cr＞Cu、Zn＞Cd,其中昆山和吴江水稻籽粒受到Pb的轻度污染。综合污染指数评价表明,水稻籽粒重金属污染处于警戒线级别,且水稻籽粒的污染是由于Pb的积累量较高引起的,其中太仓和张家港两市水稻籽粒属于安全等级,昆山、吴中、相城和常熟处于警戒线等级,吴江风险较高。暴露风险评价结果显示,研究区存在水稻籽粒Cr暴露风险,而水稻籽粒Pb仅在个别县市暴露风险高,整体风险并不高。     

Effect of Cadmium and Iron on Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Plant in Chelator-Buffered Nutrient Solution

ABSTRACT

To better understand the mechanisms responsible for differences in uptake and distribution of cadmium (Cd), nutrient-solution experiments were conducted with different varieties of rice (Oryza sativa), ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’. The plants were grown in a complete nutrient solution with different levels of pCd (-log free Cd⁺² activity) and pFe [-log free iron (Fe⁺²) activity]. The required concentrations of chelating agent and metals were determined using a computerized chemical equilibrium model such as Geochem-PC. Experimental treatments included a combination of four pCd activity levels (0, 7.9, 8.2, and 8.5) applied as Cd (NO₃)₂ 4H₂O, and two pFe activity levels (17.0 and 17.8) applied as FeCl₃. The application of both Cd and Fe in solution culture significantly affected plant growth, yield, and Cd accumulation in plant tissue. In general, yield of rice was decreased by an increase in amount of solution Cd; however, yield response varied among the cultivars. At the 7.9 pCd level, yields of rice cultivars ‘Khitish’ and ‘CNRH3’ were reduced to 69% and 65%, respectively, compared with control plants. Root Cd concentrations ranged from 2.6 mg kg^?1 (control plants) to 505.7 mg kg^?1 and were directly related to solution Cd concentrations. In rice plants, Cd toxicity symptoms resembled Fe chlorosis. Differential tolerance of varieties to phytotoxicity was not readily visible, but a significant interaction of substrate Cd and variety was obtained from dry-matter yields. Significant interactions indicated that response of tissue Cd concentration, plant Cd uptake, and translocation of Cd to the aerial parts were dependent on variety as well as substrate Cd. Uptake of Cd by roots was significantly higher than by shoots. Higher Cd uptake by rice plants decreased the uptake of other beneficial metals.

The effect of Cd and Fe on the rate of phytometallophore release was also studied in the nutrient solution. Among the rice genotypes, ‘Khitish’ was the most sensitive to Cd toxicity. In both genotypes, with the onset of visual Cd-toxicity symptoms, the release of phytometallophore (PM) was enhanced. Among the rice varieties, ‘Khitish’ had the highest rate of PM release. Treatments with the metal ions studied produced a decrease in chlorophyll and enzyme activity. A decrease in concentrations of chlorophyll pigments in the third leaf was observed due to the highest activity level of Cd (pCd 7.9). Activities of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are altered by toxic amounts of Cd. Changes in enzyme activities occurred at the lowest activity of Cd (pCd 8.5) in solution. Peroxidase activity increased in the third leaf. Results showed that in contrast with growth parameters, the measurements of enzyme activities may be included as early biomarkers in a plant bioassay to assess the phytotoxicity of Cd-contaminated solution on rice plants. Evidence that Cd uptake and translocation are genetically controlled warrants the selection of varieties that assimilate the least Cd and that translocate the least metal to the plant part to be used for human and animal consumption.     

不同类型水稻镉富集与转运能力的差异分析

选取84个水稻品种在镉（Cd）中轻度污染农田上进行原位小区试验,通过统计分析水稻Cd富集系数及转运系数,探索具有相似产量与Cd富集能力的水稻品种各器官Cd的富集及Cd在土壤-水稻系统中转移特征,比较不同类型水稻Cd富集与转运的差异。结果表明：水稻糙米Cd富集系数范围为0.10~0.78,小区产量范围为8.20~11.50 kg（以小区面积3.5 m×3.5 m计）,不同水稻品种产量与糙米Cd富集能力不存在显著相关性。以产量和糙米Cd富集系数为指标将所有水稻品种进行聚类分为高产高Cd（组1）、低产高Cd（组2）、高产低Cd（组3）和低产低Cd（组4）四组。水稻各器官Cd富集规律均为根系>茎>叶>糙米,Cd由根系向上传递过程中,含量越来越低。不同产量和富集能力的水稻类型的差异,主要在于茎和叶的富集与转移。高产或高Cd品种有较强的将Cd从根转运到茎和从茎、叶转运到米的能力。低Cd水稻无论产量高低,对各器官的Cd转运能力无显著影响。筛选、培育适合在中轻度污染区种植的高产低Cd水稻品种是可行的。在种植过程中控制茎的吸收与转运将对保障粮食安全生产具有重要意义。     

水稻土镉污染与水稻镉含量相关性研究

采用盆栽试验的方法,考察了水稻土中重金属镉（Cd）的浓度对水稻生长及Cd富集的影响以及Cd在水稻植株的分布情况,并进一步研究了糙米（可食部位）对Cd的富集量与土壤中Cd总量的关系。结果表明,在各个浓度Cd胁迫下,根、茎叶、稻壳、糙米相比,2个品种水稻都是根累积的Cd含量要高于茎叶和稻壳、糙米,即根〉茎叶〉稻壳〉糙米;在水稻的茎叶细胞中,Cd主要分布在细胞壁,细胞可溶性成分,细胞器Cd的分布量较少,即细胞壁〉可溶性部分〉细胞器及膜部分;随Cd浓度增加,茎叶中的Cd积累量极显著增加,各细胞组分中的Cd含量均显著增加;根据国标GB 2762—2005对大米中Cd的限量标准（≤0.2 mg.kg^-1）,水稻土土壤总Cd临界值分别为2.0 mg.kg^-（1博优225）、3.1 mg.kg^-（1矮糯）。因此,在污染土壤上宜选种食用部位重金属积累低的水稻品种,以减少人类吸收重金属的风险。     

土壤中Cd、P、Zn含量对水稻产量和植株中矿物浓度的影响

在温室中进行了剖析添加的Cd、P、Zn对稻谷产量、植株和稻草中的矿物含量以及糙米中Cd的浓度的研究。P增加了稻谷和植株产量,而Cd、Zn和P-Zn的交互作用使其降低。稻谷和植株产量有类似的线性回归方程式,其稻谷的线性回归方程为: Y=17.24+0.0466(P)-0.1850(Cd)-0.1115(Zn)-0.0005(P-Zn) 其R²=0.97^**,式中Y为稻谷产量(克/株);P为添加的P浓度(毫克/公斤);(Cd)为添加的Cd浓度(毫克/公斤);(Zn)为添加的Zn浓度(毫克/公斤);(P-Zn)为P和Zn的交互作用。所有处理均明显地影响着稻草中矿物元素的含量。粕米中的Cd浓度随着添加的Cd、P、Zn浓度的增加而增加;但多元回归分析表明只有Cd的影响是显著的。粕米中Cd的浓度与收获时用0.05M HCI所提取的风干土中的Cd浓度有极显著相关性(Y=0.75^**).对糙米中Cd浓度的评价进行了简要的讨论。     

An effective planting model to decrease cadmium accumulation in rice grains and plants: Intercropping rice with wetland plants

Cadmium (Cd) pollution affects plant growth and poses a serious threat to food safety and human health.Cadmium-contaminated rice is assumed to be the main source of Cd exposure to humans,with grave health risks.Phytoremediation is an efficient,cost-effective,and eco-friendly approach to minimize Cd accumulation in rice.However,research on the effect of rice intercropping with wetland plants that exhibit great capacity for phytoremediation in decreasing Cd concentrations in paddies is limited.A p...     

叶面喷施硅和硒对水稻砷积累及光合参数的影响

本文采用盆栽试验，研究了在砷污染土壤上，水稻叶面分别喷施硅溶液、硒溶液和硅硒混合溶液对籽粒砷含量相对较低的水稻品种旌1优华珍和C两优华占以及籽粒砷含量相对较高的水稻品种丰优香占砷积累和光合参数的影响。试验结果表明，3种叶面喷施处理相比较而言，以叶面单独喷施硅降低水稻籽粒砷含量效果最好，优于叶面单施硒和叶面喷施硅硒混合液处理。叶面单独喷施硅与对照相比，显著降低了籽粒砷含量相对较低的两个水稻品种的籽粒砷含量，但对籽粒砷含量相对较高的水稻品种则没有显著影响。籽粒砷含量相对较低的水稻品种更多比例的砷固定在茎中使其稻米砷积累量较低。3种叶面喷施处理与对照相比均提高了水稻光合参数(如光合速率、气孔导度、胞间CO₂浓度)，光合参数与水稻砷浓度呈负相关关系，叶面喷施硅或硒对水稻叶片光合参数的影响差异可能是造成籽粒砷含量差异的重要原因，不同水稻品种叶片光合参数对外源硅或硒的敏感度或响应度不同。总之，叶面喷施硅溶液对改善水稻光合参数的效果最好，是减少水稻籽粒砷含量一项经济有效的措施，在生产应用实践中，要注意作物品种间的差异。     

Identification of genomic regions associated with low phosphorus tolerance in japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) by QTL-Seq

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient supporting rice productivity. Improving low-P tolerance of rice is expected to reduce dependence on P fertilizer, thereby reducing rice production costs and environmental impacts. This report describes the mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with P deficiency tolerance in japonica rice. An F5 population derived from a cross of the low-P tolerant cultivar Akamai (Yamagata) and the sensitive cultivar Koshihikari was evaluated for shoot growth under low-P conditions. Then single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles of the low-P tolerant and sensitive bulks were compared on a genome-wide scale by QTL-Seq, a rapid QTL mapping method using next-generation sequencing technology. Results show a major QTL associated with low-P tolerance located on the long arm of chromosome 12. It has been named QTL for low-P tolerance 1 or qLPT1. SNPs were detected in 45 genes of qLPT1 region and the 5 genes were harboring synonymous SNPs, although none of them had been reported as involved in low-P tolerance. This result implies that the novel gene responsible for low-P tolerance exists in qLPT1. This study will contribute to the elucidation of mechanisms underlying low-P tolerance of Akamai and will facilitate the breeding of rice with low-P tolerance.     

Magnesium slag for remediation of cadmium- and arsenic-contaminated paddy soil: A field study

The accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and metalloids like arsenic (As) in plants can do harm to human health through the food chain, especially through the rice (Oryza sativa L.). To solve this problem, this study researched the application of magnesium slag (MS) and polyaspartic acid (PASP), which could accelerate rice growth and improve yield, increase soil pH and activate rice enzyme activity as well as reduce the bioavailability of Cd and As in the soil. After these two different treatments, rice yield increased by 17.0% and 18.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the bioavailable As decreased by 49.1% and 42.5%, while the bioavailable Cd reduced by 72.6% and 44.3%. Besides, the Cd content in rice grains reduced by 77.7% and 17.3%, respectively, after two different treatments. In the MS treatment, the As content in rice grains was reduced by 21.8%, but showed no significant response to the other treatment. The contents of bioavailable Cd and As (determined by one-step extraction) in soil were decreased by MS and PASP, which was favourable for the reduction of Cd and As accumulation in rice. The health risk assessment showed that the application of passivators can effectively reduce the risk of carcinogenesis, but it was still unacceptable. The application dose of MS and PASP still needs further exploration.