The influence of cadmium on the in vitro growth of poplar shoots from the Leuce section

The influence of cadmium presence on growth of shoots of four poplar clones from section Leuce cultivated in tissue culture is presented in this work. Shoots of clones L-12, L-80, L-111/81 and LBM were multiplicated by Micro-propagation on ACM (Aspen Culture Medium) with 0,5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0,02 mg/l α- naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA). Terminal shoots, about 1,5cm long, were cultivated 30 days on the ACM medium with addition of 0,1 mM and 0,5 mM of Cd. Parameters examinated in shoot cultures included: length of the main shoot, shoot multiplication (number of axillary shoots per explant) and fresh mass. It was observed that the addition of 0,5 mM Cd (here considered as high concentration) was toxic for shoots of all investigated clones. The symptoms included were decrease of growth vigor and leaf clorosis. Length, fresh mass and shoot multiplication were decreased compared to control. Low concentration of cadmium (0,1 mM) had stimulatory effects on fresh mass (in total) of investigated clones especially for clone L-111/81. These results indicate possible use of investigated clones in phytoremediation of soils that contain lower concentration of cadmium, especially clone L-111/81 which was assumed as the most suitable for this purpose.