Growth and Phytochemistry of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels
2024
Rayane Monique Sete da Cruz | Henrique Ferreira | Jonas Marcelo Jaski | Marcelo Coelho Esperança Vieira | Mariana Moraes Pinc | Silvia Graciele Hülse de Souza | Odair Alberton
This study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of lemongrass (<i>Cymbopogon citratus)</i> inoculated with <i>Azospirillum brasilense</i> and grown in lead (Pb)-contaminated soil to assess its responses to inoculation under different Pb levels. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme: two levels of <i>A. brasilense</i> (absence or presence) and five Pb levels. After four months of treatment, the following were analyzed: total and reducing sugars, total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzymes, proline, and essential oil (EO) content and composition. Soil Pb levels and <i>A. brasilense</i> inoculation affected phytochemicals in lemongrass plants. <i>Azospirillum</i> inoculation reduced total sugars in the roots at all soil Pb levels, while increasing Pb levels favored a rise in sugar contents. There was an increase in flavonoid content in treatments associated with Pb and inoculated with <i>A. brasilense</i>. Antioxidant capacity was lower at lower Pb levels, regardless of bacterial inoculation. Enzymatic response was mainly affected by Pb concentrations between 50 and 100 mg kg<sup>−1</sup> soil. EO content was influenced by soil Pb levels, with higher EO production at 500 mg Pb kg<sup>−1</sup> soil and without <i>A. brasilense</i> inoculation. Overall, lemongrass cultivation in Pb-contaminated areas can be an alternative to phytoremediation and EO production for the industry.
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