Search

The success of mine site restoration programs in arid and semi-arid areas poses a significant challenge and requires the use of high-quality seedlings capable of tolerating heavy metal stresses. The effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi on different physiological traits was investigated in Pinus halepensis seedlings grown in soil contaminated with heavy metals (Pb-Zn-Cd). Ectomycorrhizal (M) and non-ectomycorrhizal (NM) seedlings were subjected to heavy metals stress (C: contaminated, NC: control or non-contaminated) soils conditions for 12 months. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, water relations parameters derived from pressure–volume curves and electrolyte leakage were evaluated at 4, 8 and 12 months. Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis promoted stronger resistance to heavy metals and improved gas exchange parameters and water-use efficiency compared to the non-ectomycorrhizal seedlings. The decrease in leaf osmotic potentials (Ψπ100: osmotic potential at saturation and Ψπ0: osmotic potential with loss of turgor) was higher for M-C seedling than NM-C ones, indicating that the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis promotes cellular osmotic adjustment and protects leaf membrane cell against leakage induced by Pb, Zn and Cd. Our results suggest that the use of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis is among the promising practices to improve the morphophysiological quality of seedlings produced in forest nurseries, their performance and their tolerance to multi-heavy metal stresses.

The pollution of soils by heavy metals resulting from mining activities is one of the major environmental problems in North Africa. Mycorrhizoremediation using mycorrhizal fungi and adapted plant species is emerging as one of the most innovative methods to remediate heavy metal pollution. This study aims to assess the growth and the nutritional status of ectomycorrhizal Pinus halepensis seedlings subjected to high concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd for possible integration in the restoration of heavy metals contaminated sites. Ectomycorrhizal and non-ectomycorrhizal P. halepensis seedlings were grown in uncontaminated (control) and contaminated soils for 12 months. Growth, mineral nutrition, and heavy metal content were assessed. Results showed that ectomycorrhizae significantly improved shoot and roots dry masses of P. halepensis seedlings, as well as nitrogen shoot content. The absorption of Pb, Zn, and Cd was much higher in the roots than in the shoots, and significantly more pronounced in ectomycorrhizal seedlings—especially for Zn and Cd. The presence of ectomycorrhizae significantly reduced the translocation factor of Zn and Cd and bioaccumulation factor of Pb and Cd, which enhanced the phytostabilizing potential of P. halepensis seedlings. These results support the use of ectomycorrhizal P. halepensis in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated sites.