Accumulation of selected element deposition in the organs of Fallopia japonica during ontogeny

Abstract

The aim of the study was to track the movement of selected elements in the plant organs of Fallopia japonica during ontogeny in a site near the village of Lisková in Liptov Basin, Slovakia. The statistical graphics system STATISTICA, Release 7 was used for correlation analysis, and for ordination analysis the CANOCO 4.5 for Windows package was used. Elements determined included sulfur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, tin, antimony, barium, and lead. We studied the movement of the elements in the rhizome, stems, leaves and flowers. The tissue samples were analyzed by X-ray spectrometry. Five significant trends in element movement during vegetation season have been recognised: a fluent downward trend in concentrations (S, K, Zn, Cr, Rb, Mn); a downward trend in concentrations falling below the detection limit in September, at the time of creation of flowers (Fe, Cu); a downward trend in concentrations and increase in concentrations in September, at the time of flowers creation (Ba, Pb, Cl); upward trend in concentration (Ca, Sr); and no systemic movement (Mo, Sb). Correlation between stem parts including leaves and rhizome or bryophyte is lowest during early spring and increases during the year. The concentration of the elements in the flowers correlates highly with the apical part of the stem. The results suggest that the rhizome and the environment affect the chemistry of Fallopia japonica only slightly. The results of the ordination analysis indicate that Fallopia japonica is only marginally dependent on the uptake of the element from the rhizome.