Changes in the element composition of sunflower plants under the effect of drought and heavy metals
https://doi.org/10.30901/2227-8834-2026-1-o20
Abstract
Background. The study is of particular importance due to the increasing pace of global climate aridification, which negatively affects agriculture in combination with anthropogenic impact. This is a case study of changes in the element composition of ‘Poseidon 625’ sunflower plants in the context of their photosynthetic system variability under the effect of combined stressors (heavy metals, and drought).
Materials and methods. The experiment involved a set of control samples grown under the impact of arid conditions only, and two experimental groups additionally exposed to heavy metals: Cd (conc. 0.384 mg/kg, 0.768 mg/kg, and 1.536 mg/kg) and Pb (conc. 13.04 mg/kg, 26.08 mg/kg, and 52.16 mg/kg). Experimental and control samples were analyzed for the studied element composition by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-MS) using Agilent 7900 ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies, USA).
Results. A database was created for the content of 24 elements in a sunflower plant (root, shoot and seed) and soil. A significant increase in the absorption of P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and B by sunflower plants was recorded under the combination of both stressors. A significant increase (4 times) in the cadmium content was observed in the final product. However, despite a significant increase in the lead content in sunflower roots and shoots, no excess over the control values was detected in the seeds.
Conclusion. Cd and Pb were found to have negative effects on sunflower plants, which manifested itself in a negative change in the element composition of biomass and seed material.
Supporting agencies: The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation, Grant No. 23-76-10060 (https://rscf.ru/ project/23-76-10060/).
About the Authors
D. G. Fedorova
Orenburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Darya G. Fedorova, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Director of the Botanical Garden
13 Pobedy Ave., Orenburg 460018, Russia
N. M. Nazarova
Orenburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Natalia M. Nazarova, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Head of a Scientific Team
13 Pobedy Ave., Orenburg 460018, Russia
B. S. Ukenov
Orenburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bulat S. Ukenov, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Associate Professor
13 Pobedy Ave., Orenburg 460018, Russia
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Review
For citations:
Fedorova D.G., Nazarova N.M., Ukenov B.S. Changes in the element composition of sunflower plants under the effect of drought and heavy metals. Proceedings on applied botany, genetics and breeding. 2026;187(1):49-61. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30901/2227-8834-2026-1-o20
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