Industrial activies in Žerjav lead to high accumulation of metals, especially Pb, Cd and Zn) in soils. Our aim was to evaluate contribution of selected isolates of dark septate endophytes on metal accumulation in plants and physiological condition of Salix caprea L. cuttings. We measured bioavailable concentrations of metals, phosphorus and organic matter in substrate. To evaluate physiological condition and metals uptake of cuttings we measured metal concentrations and photosynthetic pigments in leaves. To assess success of colonisation of selected strains we evaluated parameters of colonisation. Goat willow cuttings exhibited strong stress symptoms, which were caused probably not by excessive metal concentrations in substrate. Strong stress factors could be water and nutrient deficiency. High colonisation parameters of isolates DB146 and DB148 are suggesting better tolerance of these isolates on high metal concentrations. Low colonisation parameters of isolate DB149 are suggesting different biology of selected isolate and possible negative effect on growth of native colonisators from substrate. To conclude, our findings suggest isolates, especially DB146 and DB148, are suitable for combined use with goat willows in bioremediation processes. For better understanding of contribution of selected strains on metal uptake and physiological condition of goat willow further research is needed.
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