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Poster Contributed Presentation

ATOM

Sunday Student Poster Presentations

S23 - Effects of the iron foliar exposition in fish mint plant (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.): elemental total concentration, elemental mapping and protein distribution

Sunday, October 5, 2025
7:15 PM - 9:15 PM EDT
Location: Ballroom C
In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: Study evaluated foliar Fe treatment effects on elemental concentration, distribution, and Fe-protein in Houttuynia cordata

Abstract Text: Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs), such as Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (fish-mint plant), are valued for their nutritional and medicinal potential, especially for rural cultivation. Foliar enrichment with essential elements can enhance their benefits. This study evaluated the effects of iron (Fe) exposure through foliar treatment on fish-mint seedlings. Macro (Ca, K, Mg, P) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn) were determined using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), spatial distribution of Ca, K, and Mg was analyzed via Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Protein content and Fe-protein associations were assessed using the Bradford method and Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Seedlings were treated for 14 days with Fe salts (Fe(III)-EDTA, Fe(NO₃)₃∙9H₂O, FeCl₃∙6H₂O) at concentrations of 300, 600 and 1200 µg L⁻¹. Compared to the control (0.24 ± 0.02 mg g⁻¹ Fe), Fe(III)-EDTA at 300 µg L⁻¹ reduced Fe content (0.14 ± 0.02 mg g⁻¹), while Fe(NO₃)₃∙9H₂O at 600 µg L⁻¹ maintained it (0.26 ± 0.01 mg g⁻¹). For macro and microelements concentrations, FeCl₃ increased K (25, 32 and 19%) and P (17, 10 and 17%) at 300, 600 and 1200 µg L⁻¹, respectively. In the case of Fe-EDTA, increased K (24%) at 600 µg L⁻¹ and Mn (44 and 24%) at 300 and 1200 µg L⁻¹, respectively. Fe-EDTA promoted reduction of Cu (17, 19 and 18%), P (2, 11 and 10%) and Zn (30, 16 and 18%) at 300, 600 and 1200 µg L⁻¹, respectively. The exposition to Fe(NO₃)₃ at 300 µg L⁻¹ decreased Ca (28%), Mg (21%) and Zn (18%), an increased for K (14%) at 600 µg L⁻¹, and reduced Ca (11%) and Mg (8.4%). LIBS mapping revealed that Fe exposure altered the spatial distribution of Ca, K and Mg, indicating competitive interactions. Protein analysis showed a 55% reduction in albumins and increases in globulins (55%) and glutelins (65%). Fe-protein associations also shifted: Fe increased by 37% in albumins and 172% in glutelins. These findings highlight the impact of Fe on nutrient uptake and protein composition. Despite competitive effects, Fe exposure may enhance Fe bioaccessibility in leaves and LIBS proved effective for monitoring elemental changes in plants