STUDY OF HEAVY METALS EFFECTS ON IN VITRO CULTURES OF SEDUM TELEPHIUM SSP.MAXIMUM L.

Abstract

In this study we aim by using plant biotechnology to study the effect of heavy metals Cd and Pb on the regeneration capacity of Sedum telephium ssp. maximum L. plant species that grows spontaneously in our country and can also be cultivated for ornamental purposes. The results obtained at different concentrations of each metal will be compared to establish, from a morphological point of view, the existence of a dose-response relationship. According to the rules of the USA Energy Department, the hyperaccumulator plants have to fulfill the following characteristics: rapid growth and large biomass; pest and disease resistance; inedible for humans and animals; easy to harvest; very branched root system; accumulation of different types of heavy metals.  Following preliminary results (in vitro and ex vitro) we considered that this species fulfils the above conditions.