Photosynthesis, stomatal response and metal accumulation in Cineraria maritima L. and Centauria moschata L. grown in metal-rich soil

Two plant species, Cineraria maritima L. and Centauria moschata L. were tested for their tolerance/sensitivity in metal-rich soils derived from iron ore in Lalitpur (Girar), India, which contained high levels of Fe with appreciable amounts of Mn and Cu. The two plant species growing in the mineralized soil showed higher accumulations of Fe, Mn and Cu than those grown in non-mineralized soil. The growth of both plant species in the mineralized soil was hampered compared with those in non-mineralized soil. The rates of photosynthesis and chlorophyll content were reduced in C. maritima but not in C. moschata. The stomatal conductance and resistance were affected in C. moschata but not in C. maritima. Overall results indicate that C. maritima is more sensitive to mineralized soil than C. moschata. Secondly, C. maritima is also a good accumulator of all three metals and may be regarded as a metal efficient plant. This plant may be grown for the removal of Fe, Mn and Cu from the contaminated soils.