Effects of elevated soil copper on phenology, growth and reproduction of five ruderal plant species.
The repeated use of copper (Cu) fungicides to control vine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, has been responsible for the heavy increase of Cu concentration in the upper layers of vineyard soils. To determine the effects of elevated soil Cu on plant development, we created an artificial soil gradient with Cu enrichments ranging from 0 to 400 mg kg-1. On this gradient, and for five ruderal plant species commonly found in vineyards in southern France (Poa annua L., Dactylis glomerata L., Senecio vulgaris L., Hypochoeris radicata L., and Andryala integriflolia L.), we quantified survival, growth, and reproduction throughout one flowering season. High concentrations of Cu in the soil resulted in low survival, low total plant biomass, delay in flowering and fruiting, and low seed set. However, the effects differed among species. Furthermore, high soil Cu concentrations had contrasting effects on patterns of resource allocation depending on the plant species.
Brun
L A
LA
ENSAM/INRA, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Pathology, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier Cedex 01, France.
Le Corff
J
J
Maillet
J
J
D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D005659:Fungicides, Industrial / Q000633:toxicity*; D063245:Plant Development; D010944:Plants / Q000187:drug effects*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D014920:Wine
D005659:Fungicides, Industrial; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D003300:Copper