title: Effects of cyanobacterial toxins and cyanobacterial cell-free crude extract on germination of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and induction of oxidative stress.
abstract: Cyanobacterial toxins have adverse effects on both terrestrial and aquatic plants. Microcystins are cyclic heptapeptides and an important group of cyanotoxins. When lake water contaminated with cyanobacterial blooms is used for spray irrigation, these toxins can come in contact with agricultural plants. During the exposure to these toxins, reactive oxygen species can form. These reactive oxygen species have a strong reactivity and are able to interact with other cellular compounds (lipids, protein, and DNA). Plants have antioxidative systems that will limit the negative effects caused by reactive oxygen species. These systems consist of enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, and nonenzymatic substances, such as reduced glutathione or vitamins. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cyanobacterial toxins (microcystins and anatoxin-a) and cyanobacterial cell-free crude extract on alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seedlings. Inhibition of germination and root growth was observed with toxin concentrations of 5.0 microg/L. Also, oxidative damage, such as lipid peroxidation, was detected after the exposure of alfalfa seedlings to the toxin. Reactive oxygen detoxifying enzymes were elevated, showing a marked response in alfalfa to oxidative stress caused by the exposure to cyanobacterial metabolites that might influence the growth and development of these plants negatively.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 301, 12587 Berlin, Germany. pflugmacher@igb-berlin.de
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pflugmacher
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Linn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lundvall
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peuthert
mesh_terms: D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects*; D006540:Herbicides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008387:Marine Toxins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000455:Medicago sativa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D052998:Microcystins; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010269:Paraquat / Q000494:pharmacology; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012639:Seeds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D014326:Tropanes
chemical_list: D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D000087522:Cyanobacteria Toxins; D006540:Herbicides; D008387:Marine Toxins; D052998:Microcystins; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D014326:Tropanes; C078588:microcystin; C509783:anatoxin a; C057862:cyanoginosin LR; D010269:Paraquat