Iron fertilization to enhance tolerance mechanisms to copper toxicityof ryegrass plants used as cover crop in vineyards.

Ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) is a plant species that can express mechanisms of tolerance to copper (Cu)toxicity. Therefore, the agronomical approach of intercropping system with ryegrass may represent apromising tool to limit the onset of Cu toxicity symptoms in the other intercropped plants species,particularly when an inadequate nutrient availability like iron (Fe) shortage is also concurrently present.This study aimed at assessing the mechanisms involved in the mitigation of Cu phytotoxicity and thestress effects on plant growth, root morphology and nutrition of ryegrass fertilized with two different Fesources. To this purpose, seedlings of ryegrass were hydroponically grown for 14 days in controlledconditions with 4 different levels of Cu (0.2, 5.0, 25 and 50mM) and with either 100mM Fe-EDDHA or Fe-EDTA. Results show that high levels of Cu availability enhanced the root content of organic anions as wellas the root exudation. Different Fe fertilizations at the condition of 50mM Cu induced changes in rootphenolic compounds, citrate and fumarate contents and the exudation pattern of phenolic compounds.Differences in plant growth were not observed between the two Fe sources, although Cu concentration inplant tissue fed with Fe-EDTA was lower in the condition of 50mM Cu. The enhanced root exudation ofCu-complexing organic compounds (including phenolics) in ryegrass plants when exposed to excessiveCu availability could be at the basis of the ameliorated edaphic rhizosphere conditions (lower Cuavailability). For this reason, from the agronomical point of view ryegrass plants used in intercroppingsystems with crops like vine plants could represent a promising strategy to control Cu toxicity invineyard soils. Further studies under thefield conditions must be taken to support presentfindings.©2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved