Survival of Acer pseudoplatanus L. (sycamore) seedlings on metalliferous soils

Seeds and seedlings of Acer pseudoplatanus L. (sycamore) were collected at sites contaminated by metals, originating either from mining spoil or from aerial deposition from metal processing industry, and at a number of relatively uncontaminated sites. Seedling growth was examined in relation to site of origin, both in nutrient solutions with elevated metal concentrations and in reciprocal transplant experiments in soils from the sites. Metal tolerance was not detected and there was no significant difference between plants from the different sites of origin. It was found, however, that roots could proliferate in uncontaminated zones of the soil and that, even in contaminated soils, most seedlings used in growth tests survived for at least three years despite impaired growth. Seedlings growing at the contaminated sites showed phytotoxic symptoms associated with high metal levels, but apparently healthy seedlings and saplings of different ages were also found. Some form of low level innate tolerance may be involved but it is suggested that phenotypic plasticity is more important than previously thought, potentially allowing survival until favourable conditions are encountered either temporally or spatially.