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THLASPI CAERULESCENS J. & C. PRESL. (T. ALPESTRE L.) IN BRITAIN
1Botany Department, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK.
The New Phytologist
|April 20, 2021
Summary
Thlaspi caerulescens, a plant found on lead and zinc contaminated soils, shows zinc tolerance linked to its parent soil. This study explores its distribution and variation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Thlaspi caerulescens exhibits a restricted distribution in Britain.
- The plant is exclusively found on soils contaminated with lead and zinc.
- Both natural and mining sites host Thlaspi caerulescens populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and physiological variation within Thlaspi caerulescens populations.
- To determine the relationship between soil metal concentration and zinc tolerance in Thlaspi caerulescens.
- To discuss the distribution patterns of Thlaspi caerulescens in relation to its variations.
Main Methods:
- Taxometric cluster analysis was employed to assess morphological variation.
- An experiment was conducted to measure zinc tolerance in plants.
- Seed parents' soil metal concentration was correlated with plant zinc tolerance.
Main Results:
- Morphological variation was observed regionally and locally but lacked taxonomic support.
- A positive correlation was found between the zinc tolerance index and soil zinc concentration.
- Plant zinc tolerance is influenced by the soil conditions from which the seeds originate.
Conclusions:
- Thlaspi caerulescens populations display variation influenced by their native soil metal content.
- The distribution of Thlaspi caerulescens is intrinsically linked to its adaptive physiological traits, specifically zinc tolerance.
- Further research into population genetics and adaptation mechanisms is warranted.
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