The Response of Fusarium solani to Cd(II) and Cu(II) in Pure Culture

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

FUSARIUM solani was isolated from soil receiving long term application of sewage and industrial effluents as irrigates and identified according to morphological characteristics and DNA sequence analysis. Its selection was based on the fact that work was done on Cd(II) and Cu(II) toxicity on F. solani. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of F. solani for Cd(II) and Cu(II) were 900 mg/l and 600 mg/l, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the cell surface morphology and surface area/volume ratio changed after Cd(II) and Cu(II) stress. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the cell wall thickness doubled, an increase in the number of intracytoplasmic vesicles and some cells were completely lysed after exposure to Cd(II) stress. Also, cell wall was outlined by Cu(II) particles and cells attracted Cu(II) deposits. The presence of Cd(II) and Cu(II) was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. The effects of Cd(II) and Cu(II) on radial growth, biomass production, protein content, total antioxidant and total thiol were investigated. Activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (POD) after Cd(II) and Cu(II) stress were determined.

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