Iron(II) Sulfate and Ph Decrease Seed Germination and Seedling Growth and Alter Nutrient and Polyamine Contents in Cedrela Fissilis Vellozo (Meliaceae)

The emission of iron particle solid material into nature can contribute to alterations in the phytophysiognomy of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, affecting plant growth. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of iron(II) sulfate and pH on germination and growth and nutrient and polyamine (PA) contents in seedlings of Cedrela fissilis Vellozo. Seeds were sown with different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10 mM) of iron(II) sulfate at two pH values (3 and 5.5). Germination was reduced by iron(II) sulfate and pH treatments and was lower at concentrations of 8 and 10 mM at pH 3. The fresh matter decreased with higher concentrations of iron(II) sulfate at the two tested pH values. The higher concentrations of iron(II) sulfate at pH 3 increased the Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, and N contents in the roots. An increase in the content of putrescine and total free PAs in the roots could be related to an adaptive response to iron stress. The results observed in the present work suggest that C. fissilis may be a species with the potential for use in the ecological restoration of areas contaminated with iron, opening promising prospects for future studies on the recovery of degraded regions.