Applications of chitosan to the roots and shoots change the accumulation pattern of cadmium in Talinum patens (Talinaceae) cuttings.

Chitosan induces tolerance to abiotic stress agents in plants. However, studies on the different application forms of this biopolymer are limited. This study evaluated the effect of two forms of chitosan application on the morphophysiology of and metal accumulation by Talinum patens cuttings subjected to Cd to develop new cadmium (Cd) decontamination technologies. Cuttings from 75-day-old plants were transferred to a hydroponic system. For 30 days, three Cd concentrations (0, 7, and 14 mg L) and three forms of chitosan application (without application, root, and foliar) were applied. The cuttings were tolerant to Cd because the metal did not influence biomass production or photosynthetic efficiency. Neither chitosan application nor Cd increased the modified chlorophyll content and fluorescence parameters. However, foliar chitosan reduced the transpiration rate. At the highest concentration of Cd, the application of chitosan in the root reduced the Mg content of the root system and shoots. The root application of chitosan increased the surface area and volume of thicker roots at the expense of finer ones. The foliar application resulted in greater total root length and surface area, mainly those finer. Furthermore, chitosan applied to the leaves activated catalase in the roots and leaves. In contrast to the root application, foliar application increased the accumulation of Cd in the roots. The action of catalase and the increase of fine roots may have favored a greater absorption of the nutrient solution and Cd in the chitosan foliar application treatment. It is concluded that chitosan foliar spraying can improve Cd rhizofiltration with T. patens.