The effect of different levels of acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) biochar on growth, essential oil content and nutrient uptake of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) under cadmium stress

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc Student, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Professor: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Plant growth is one of the most complex and environmentally sensitive physiological processes in plants. (Al-Khayri et al., 2023). Heavy metals are among the major limiting factors for crop cultivation in many regions worldwide, particularly in arid and semi‑arid areas such as Iran (Saini and Dhania, 2020). Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential and highly toxic environmental pollutant that causes serious environmental and agricultural problems. High doses of cadmium are carcinogenic to humans. (Bakhtiari et al., 2023). Biochar is widely used as a soil conditioner because it improves soil physicochemical properties and nutrient availability (Muhammad et al., 2020). Salvia officinalis L., a perennial herbaceous species in the Lamiaceae family, is well known for its valuable essential oil. Accordingly, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar on selected growth traits, essential oil content, and nutrient uptake in Salvia officinalis L. under cadmium stress.
 
Materials and methods
The experiment was conducted as a factorial study in a completely randomized design with four replications in the research greenhouse of the Department of Horticultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The treatments consisted of three levels of biochar (0, 1, and 2% w/w) derived from acacia wood and three levels of cadmium stress (0, 30, and 60 mg kg⁻¹ soil). Plants were harvested at the flowering stage, and several traits were measured. The studied traits included growth characteristics, essential oil content, and nutrient elements including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, and Cd.
 
Results and discussion
The results indicated that increasing cadmium stress significantly decreased plant height, stem diameter, the number of sub-branches and leaves, fresh and dry weights of aerial parts, and root length and volume. Cadmium stress also significantly reduced essential oil content. The interaction between biochar application and cadmium levels showed that applying 2% w/w biochar increased plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of aerial parts, and root length under different cadmium levels. The highest plant height (22 cm), leaf area (709.84 cm²), fresh (36.63 g per plant) and dry (20.44 g per plant) weights of aerial parts, root length (30.75 cm), and essential oil content (0.8% v/w) were observed in plants treated with 2% (w/w) biochar in the absence of cadmium. Essential oil content increased in response to biochar application. Essential oil content was approximately 12.33% higher in plants treated with 2% (w/w) biochar than in untreated plants. Biochar application improved growth traits and increased nutrient concentrations, with the maximum increases observed in plants treated with 2% (w/w) biochar.
 
Conclusion
Cadmium, as a toxic heavy metal, negatively affects plant growth. The results indicate that higher cadmium levels caused severe damage to plant growth, essential oil content, and nutrient uptake. The greatest cadmium‑induced damage was observed at a soil concentration of 60 mg kg⁻¹. Biochar application also improved growth traits, essential oil content, and nutrient uptake, with the greatest improvements observed in plants treated with 2% (w/w) biochar. The greatest improvements in morphological traits, essential oil content, and nutrient concentrations were observed in plants treated with 2% (w/w) biochar under severe cadmium stress. Biochar application reduced the harmful effects of cadmium by decreasing its translocation from roots to aerial parts and enhancing nutrient absorption.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
Al-Khayri, J.M., Banadka, A., Rashmi, R., Nagella, P., Alessa, F.M., Almaghasla, M.I., 2023. Cadmium toxicity in medicinal plants: An overview of the tolerance strategies, biotechnological and omics approaches to alleviate metal stress. Frontiers in Plant Science. 13, 5301. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1047410
Bakhtiari, M., Raeisi Sadati, F., Raeisi Sadati, S.Y., 2023. Foliar application of silicon, selenium, and zinc nanoparticles can modulate lead and cadmium toxicity in sage (Salvia officinalis L.) plants by optimizing growth and biochemical status. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 30, 54223-54233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25959-w
Bashir, S., Zhu, J., Fu, Q., Hu, H., 2018. Cadmium mobility, uptake and anti-oxidative response of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic) under rice straw biochar, zeolite and rock phosphate as amendments. Chemosphere. 194, 579-587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.162
Bu, X., Xue, J., Wu, Y., Ma, W., 2020. Effect of biochar on seed germination and seedling growth of Robinia pseudoacacia L. In karst calcareous soils. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 51, 352–363. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2019.1709484
Chen, X., Wang, J., Shi, Y., Zhao, M.Q., Chi, G.Y., 2011. Effects of cadmium on growth and photosynthetic activities in pakchoi and mustard. Botanical Studies. 52, 41-46.
Cutillas, A.B., Carrasco, A., Martinez‐Gutierrez, R., Tomas, V., Tudela, J., 2017. Salvia officinalis L. essential oils from Spain: determination of composition, antioxidant capacity, antienzymatic, and antimicrobial bioactivities. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 14(8) ,e1700102. https://doi.org/10. 1002/cbdv.201700102
Diaconu, D., Diaconu, R., Navrotescu, T., 2012. Estimation of heavy metals in medicinal plants and their infusions. Ovidius University Annals of Chemistry. 23, 115-120. https://doi.org/10. 2478/v10310-012-0019-0
Dobrikova, A., Apostolova, E., Adamakis, I.D.S., Hanć, A., Sperdouli, I., Moustakas, M., 2022. Combined impact of excess zinc and cadmium on elemental uptake, leaf anatomy and pigments, antioxidant capacity, and function of photosynthetic apparatus in clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.). Plants. 11, 2407. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182407
Dobrikova, A.G., Apostolova, E.L., Hanć, A., Yotsova, E., Borisova, P., Sperdouli, I., Adamakis, I.D.S., Moustakas, M., 2021. Cadmium toxicity in Salvia sclarea L.: An integrative response of element uptake, oxidative stress markers, leaf structure and photosynthesis. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 209, 111851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111851
Dubey, S., Shri, M., Gupta, A., Rani, V., Chakrabarty, D., 2018. Toxicity and detoxification of heavy metals during plant growth and metabolism. Environmental Chemistry Letters. 16, 1169-1192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-018-0741-8
Ekinci, M., Yildirim, E., Agar, G., Yuksel, E.A., Aydin, M., Örs, S., Kul, R., 2023. Determination of cadmium and drought stress effects on some plant phytohormone contents and hormone gene expressions in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 47, 402-411. https://doi.org/10.55730.1300-011X.3096
Emami, A., 1996. Plant Decomposition Methods. Soil and Water Research Institute Publications, Tehran [In Persian].
Fang, Z., Lou, L., Tai, Z., Wang, Y., Yang, L., Hu, Z., Cai, Q.,  2017. Comparative study of Cd uptake and tolerance of two Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cultivars. Peer Joutrnal, 5, e3621. https://doi.org./10.7717.peerj.3621 
Farooq, A., Nadeem, M., Abbas, G., Shabbir, A., Khalid, M.S., Javeed, H.M.R., Saeed, M.F., Akram, A., Younis, A., Akhtar, G., 2020. Cadmium partitioning, physiological and oxidative stress responses in marigold (Calendula calypso) grown on contaminated soil: Implications for phytoremediation. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 105, 270-276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-020-02934-6
Ghassemi-Golezani, K., Rahimzadeh, S., 2022. The biochar-based nanocomposites influence the quantity, quality and antioxidant activity of essential oil in dill seeds under salt stress. Scientific Reports. 12, 21903. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26578-0
Gh Ghori, N.H., Ghori, T., Hayat, M.Q., Imadi, S.R., Gul, A., Altay, V., Ozturk, M., 2019. Heavy metal stress and responses in plants. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 16, 1807-1828. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-019-02215-8
Harizia, A., Benguerai,A., Elouissi, A., 2021. Chemical composition and biological activity of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil against Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Plant Disease. 128, 1547-1556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-021-00525-z
Hassan, W., Bano, R., Bashir, S., Aslam, Z., 2016. Cadmium toxicity and soil biological index under potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. Soil Research. 54, 460-468. https://doi.org/10.1071.SR14360
Hu, X., Li, T., Xu, W., Chai, Y., 2021. Distribution of cadmium in subcellular fraction and expression difference of its transport genes among three cultivars of pepper. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 216, 112182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112182
Jawad Hassan, M., Ali Raza, M., Ur Rehman, S., Ansar, M., Gitari, H., Khan, I., 2020. Effect of cadmium toxicity on growth, oxidative damage, antioxidant defense system and cadmium accumulation in two sorghum cultivars. Plants (Basel). 9, 1575. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111575
Koubaa, F.G., Chaâbane, M., Turki, M., 2021. Anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil against vanadium-induced oxidative stress and histological changes in the rat liver. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 28, 11001-11015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-28716-1
Kumar, S., Sharma, A., 2019. Cadmium toxicity: effects on human reproduction and fertility. Reviews on Environmental Health. 34, 327-338. https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2019-0016
Lindsay, W.L., Norvell, W. , 1987. Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 42, 421-428. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200030009x
Liu, A., Tian, D., Xiang, Y., Mo, H., 2016. Biochar improved growth of an important medicinal plant (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) and inhibited its cadmium uptake. Plant Biology and Soil Health Journal. 3, 1-6.
Major, J., Rondon, M., Molina, D., Riha, S.J., Lehmann, J., 2010. Maize yield and nutrition during 4 years after biochar application to a Colombian savanna oxisol. Plant and Soil. 333, 117-128.
Marschner, H., 2011. Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. Academic press.
Mehdizadeh, L., Moghaddam, M.,  Lakzian, A., 2020. Amelioration of soil properties, growth and leaf mineral elements of summer savory under salt stress and biochar application in alkaline soil. Scientia Horticulturae, 267, 109319-109330.
Mehdizadeh, L., Farsaraei, S., Moghaddam, M., 2021. Biochar application modified growth and physiological parameters of Ocimum ciliatum L. and reduced human risk assessment under cadmium stress. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 409, 124954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124954
Monteiro, M.S., Santos, C., Soares, A.M.V.M., Mann, R.M. , 2009. Assessment of biomarkers of cadmium stress in lettuce. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 72, 811-818. https://doi.org/10.1016.j. ecoenv.2008.08.002
Muhammad, N., Nafees, M., Khan, M.H., Ge, L., Lisak, G., 2020. Effect of biochar on bioaccumulation and human health risks of potentially toxic elements in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated on industrially contaminated soil. Environmental Pollution. 260, 113887. https://doi.org/10.1016.j. envpol.2019.113887
Ng, C.W.W., Wang, Y.C., Ni, J.J., So, P.S., 2022. Effects of phosphorus-modified biochar as a soil amendment on the growth and quality of Pseudostellaria heterophylla. Scientific Reports. 12, 7268. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11170-3
Pandey, J., Verma, R.K., Singh, S., 2019. Suitability of aromatic plants for phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated areas: A review. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 21, 405-418. https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2018.1540546
Pariyar, P., Kumari, K., Jain, M.K., Jadhao, P.S., 2020. Evaluation of change in biochar properties derived from different feedstock and pyrolysis temperature for environmental and agricultural application. Science of The Total Environment. 713, 136433. https://doi.org/10.1016.j. scitotenv.2019.136433
Prapagdee, S., Piyatiratitivorakul, S., Petsom, A., Tawinteung, N., 2014. Application of biochar for enhancing cadmium and zinc phytostabilization in Vigna radiata L. cultivation. Water, Air and Soil Pollution. 225, 2233.
Rajkovich, S., Enders, A., Hanley, K., Hyland, C., Zimmerman, A.,  Lehmann, J., 2011. Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after additions of biochars with varying properties to a temperate soil. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 48, 271-284.
Rogowska, A., Pączkowski, C., Szakiel, A., 2022. Modulation of steroid and triterpenoid metabolism in Calendula officinalis plants and hairy root cultures exposed to cadmium stress. International Journal of Molecular Science. 23, 5640. https://doi.org/10. 3390.ijms23105640
Saini, S., Dhania, G., 2020. Cadmium as an environmental pollutant: ecotoxicological effects, health hazards, and bioremediation approaches for its detoxification from contaminated sites. In: Bharagava, R., Saxena, G. (eds.). Bioremediation of Industrial Waste for Environmental Safety. Springer, Singapore. pp.357-387. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-3426-9_15  
Shahid, M., Dumat, C., Khalid, S., Schreck, E., Xiong, T., Niazi, N.K., 2017. Foliar heavy metal uptake, toxicity and detoxification in plants: A comparison of foliar and root metal uptake. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 325, 36-58. https://doi.org/10.1016.j. jhazmat.2016.11.063
Shanying, H.E., Xiaoe, Y.A.N.G., Zhenli, H.E., Baligar, V.C., 2017. Morphological and physiological responses of plants to cadmium toxicity: a review. Pedosphere. 27, 421-438. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(17)60339-4
Shirkhani, Z., Chehregani Rad, A., Gholami, M. , 2020. Effects of cadmium on perianth and anther formation in Datura stramonium L. Brazilian Journal of Botany. 43, 239-246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-020-00595-7
Soleimani, S.H., Bernard, F., Amini, M., Khavari-nezhad, R.A., 2020. Cadmium accumulation and alkaloid production of Narcissus tazetta plants grown under in vitro condition with cadmium stress. Plant Physiology Reports. 25, 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40502-019-00476-6
Tian, D., Liu, A., Xiang, Y., 2017. Effects of biochar on plant growth and cadmium uptake: Case Studies on Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and Chinese sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) In: Huang, W.J. (ed.), Engineering Applications of Biochar. IntechOpen Publisher. pp. 49-69. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.68251
Xi Xin, J., Zhao, X.H., Tan, Q.L., Sun, X.C., Zhao, Y.Y., Hu, C.X., 2019. Effects of cadmium exposure on the growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system in two radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cultivars. Photosynthetica, 57, 963-973. https://doi.org/10.32615/ps.2019.076
Yao, Y., Gao, B., Chen, J.J., Yang, L.Y., 2013. Engineered biochar reclaiming phosphate from aqueous solutions: mechanisms and potential application as a slow-release fertilizer. Environmental Science and Technology, 47, 8700–8708.
Yasin, N.A., Shah, A.A., Ahmad, A., Shahzadi, I., 2022. Cross talk between brassinosteroids and cytokinins in relation to plant growth and developments. In: Khan, M.T.A., Yusuf, M., Qazi, F., Ahmad, A. (eds.), Brassinosteroids Signalling. Springer, Singapore. Pp. 171–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5743-6_10
Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 May 2026

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 27 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics