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Simple Summary: Potassium deficiency is a constraint that causes numerous dysfunctions at the plant level, notably a reduction in leaf growth, photosynthesis and production. Among the multiple physiological disturbances induced by potassium deficiency, some are manifested very early and others only when the deficiency is severe. Therefore, we studied the effect of insufficient potassium supply on physiological, biochemical and anatomical parameters in basil, Ocimum basilicum. Results revealed a decrease in root and leaf biomass production in K+-deficient plants in association with an inhibition of root elongation and a reduction in leaf expansion. Similarly, a decrease in photosynthetic pigments and variability in the response of phenolic compounds content was recorded, depending on the organ and the K+ concentration in the medium. Analysis of the anatomical structure of stems showed that exposure to potassium deficiency in basil decreased the diameter of these organs and the amount of lignin produced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a variable supply of potassium to culture medium on physiological and anatomical parameters (histological sections at the third internode) in basil, Ocimum basilicum. Thirty-four-day-old plants grown on basic nutrient medium were divided into four batches and grown on media with varying doses of potassium: 0.375 mM, 0.250 mM, 0.125 mM and 0 mM K+. After 64 days of culture, a final harvest was performed. The results showed that root and shoot growth in basil was decreased with decreased K+ concentration. This restriction was associated with a reduction in root elongation and leaf expansion, which was coupled with a decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. The estimation of electrolyte leakage reveals that this parameter was increased by potassium deficiency. With respect to total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, only the third leaf-stage extracts exhibited a decrease under low-K+ conditions. However, variability in response of phenolic compounds was recorded depending on the organ and the K+ concentration in the medium. Stem cross sections of potassium-deficient basil plants revealed a decrease in the diameter of these organs, which can be attributed to a restriction of the extent of different tissue territories (cortex and medulla), as well as by a reduction in cell size. These effects were associated with a decrease in the number of conducting vessels and an increase in the number of woody fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In polluted protected areas, using phytoremediation raises the question of the choice of the plant species to select. As an example, Atriplex halimus has been identified as a proliferative plant species that needs to be eradicated in the Calanques National Park (PNCal). Since it has been proven that the spontaneous populations of this plant species could phytostabilize shore waste deposits generated by past industrial activities within the PNCal territory, its status seems controversial, presenting a dilemma between biodiversity management of a protected area and ecological solutions for pollution management. To address this issue, we assessed the ability of A. halimus to grow on different soils from this territory, in order to estimate the potential invasiveness of this plant in this territory. Petri dish germinations and pot-growth experiments showed 50% germination of seeds collected on local individuals from the most polluted PNCal soil and 20% growth reduction of seedlings. Soil analysis showed that limitation of growth was caused by high pH value and sparsely available micronutrients as well as metal and metalloid contamination. Our results suggested that local populations of A. halimus may stabilize the highly metal and metalloid polluted salt-affected soils of the PNCal, with low seed germination potential lowering the eventuality of a propagation over the PNCal territory. As a consequence of this study, the administration of the PNCal decided not to remove A. halimus populations along the polluted coastline until another solution to prevent pollution dispersal had been found. This laboratory approach may be extended to other similar situations where plant species may be evaluated not only in term of phytoremediation potential but also in term of biodiversity preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have used A. thaliana as a model to identify the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying iron deficiency tolerance in plants. Here, Arabidopsis thaliana and Thellungiella salsuginea were used to investigate the differential responses to iron deficiency of these two species. Plants were cultivated in hydroponic medium containing 5 or 0 µM Fe, for 10 days. Results showed that rosette biomass was more reduced in T. salsuginea than in A. thaliana when grown on Fe-deficient medium. As a marker for iron deficiency tolerance, the induction of ferric chelate reductase (FCR) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) activities was observed only in A. thaliana roots. In addition, we found that the accumulation of phenolic acids in roots of N1438 ecotype of A. thaliana was stimulated by Fe deficiency. Furthermore, an increase of flavonoids content in the root and exudates was observed under Fe-deficiency in this ecotype. Unlike other abiotic stresses, it appears that iron deficiency effects were more pronounced in Thellungiella than in Arabidopsis. The higher tolerance of the Arabidopsis plant to iron deficiency may be due to the metabolic changes occurring in the roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]