Arsenic for Plants: Phosphorus Helper
Arsenic (= Arsenic) (As)
For the plant – a helper of phosphorus
Compounds of arsenic play an important role in agrobiological processes. It has been noted that small amounts of it stimulate the growth and development of plants.
The background content of arsenic in plants is 0.009–1.5 mg/kg of dry mass (higher values are characteristic for green leafy plants, while lower values are typical for fruit trees), however, in contaminated soils, it can be exceeded by tens of times.
Existing data on the linear dependence between the content of arsenic (both total and soluble) in plants and soils suggest that it is absorbed by plants along with water.
When potassium arsenite is applied to the soil, an increase in the yield of barley, timothy, cabbage, and other agricultural crops is observed, as arsenic promotes better absorption of phosphorus from the soil by plants.
In algae and fungi, arsenic is part of phospholipids and regulates carbohydrate metabolism.
In algae and fungi, arsenic is part of phospholipids and regulates carbohydrate metabolism.
With an increase in the arsenic content in the soil, the highest amounts accumulate in mature leaves and root crops.
Toxic effects on plants usually manifest in organisms growing on mine dumps and in soils treated with pesticides containing arsenic or wastewater sludge.
Signs of arsenic poisoning in plants include wilting of leaves, purple discoloration (due to an increase in cyanidin), discoloration of root crops, and cellular plasmolysis. However, the most common symptoms of intoxication are slowed growth rates of plants and reduced yield. In algae, arsenic accumulates in cellular proteins, leading to their death.
When plants are sufficiently supplied with phosphorus, arsenic is less toxic to them.
The indicator plant for the presence of arsenic in the soil is the Pacific yew (= Douglas fir) Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (= P. taxifolia (Poir.) Britt.), Pinaceae. It is successfully used as an indicator of ore mineralization.
Medicinal plants containing arsenic:
• Leuzea safflower-like Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin, Asteraceae (rhizome with roots);
• Fragrant Solomon’s seal Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, Ruscaceae (herb);
• Species of wormwood Artemisia L., Asteraceae (herb);
• Common lentil Lens culinaris Medik., Fabaceae (seeds).
• Leuzea safflower-like Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin, Asteraceae (rhizome with roots);
• Fragrant Solomon’s seal Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, Ruscaceae (herb);
• Species of wormwood Artemisia L., Asteraceae (herb);
• Common lentil Lens culinaris Medik., Fabaceae (seeds).