Physiological responses of nonmetallicolous and serpentine Silene vulgaris ecotypes cultivated in different soils

Silene vulgaris ecotypes Wiry and Gajków, originating from a serpentine heap and a natural site, respectively, were cultivated from seeds on two substrates. The former was a serpentine heap located in Wiry (Poland, Lower Silesia), the latter – natural soil located in Gajków (Poland, Lower Silesia). The growth of both ecotypes on the Wiry soil was strongly inhibited. The Wiry ecotype grown on the serpentine heap accumulated more macro-, micro-nutrients and heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cr) than ecotype Gajków. Enzyme pyrogallol peroxidase was more active in the leaves of the Wiry ecotype grown only on Wiry soil. Ecotype Gajków, grown on the serpentine heap, was characterized by higher non-protein thiol, total polyphenol and anthocyanin content. The results obtained in the study indicated heterogeneous responses between ecotypes, depending on the applied substrate, while parallel studies of tolerant and sensitive populations made possible the study of the taxon’s tolerance mechanisms to heavy metals.