Root-zone temperature affects the phytoextraction of iron in contaminated soil

The effect of root temperatures on the uptake and content of iron (Fe) in different organs of potato plants was studied. Four different plastic covers were used (T1: transparent polyethylene; T2: white polyethylene; T3: white and black coextruded polyethylene), using plants without plastic covers as control (T0). The results of this study indicate that in treatments with the highest root temperature (T2 and T3), chelate-reductase activity significantly increased, that could enhance the uptake and subsequent accumulation of Fe in the different organs analyzed of the potato plant. In addition, the roots and particularly the tubers proved to be the main organs of Fe bioaccumulation in treatments T0, T2, T3, and T4. On the contrary, in the T1 treatment, the bioaccumulation of Fe was detected in the shoot (stems and leaves). Finally, the foliar bioindicators of Fe analyzed, chl a and b, carotenes, peroxidase activity and catalase activity reflected the foliar status of Fe.