Integrative effects of zinc and temperature on germination in Dimorphandra wilsonii rizz.: Implications of climate changes

The integrative effects of zinc (Zn; 0 mg L−1, 75 mg L−1, 150 mg L−1, and 200 mg L−1) and temperature (25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) on seed germination of the threatened Brazilian species Dimorphandra wilsonii were evaluated. Zinc effects on seed germination were only observed at 30 °C and 35 °C. By stimulating respiration rates, rising temperatures accentuate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation in germinating seeds in the presence of Zn. Seed Zn tolerance was related to the activation of enzymatic antioxidants, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity had a central role in H2O2 scavenging under the highest temperatures tested. Increased APX activity allowed successful germination, whereas decreasing APX activity was accompanied by decreasing germination rates in Zn‐treated seeds at 35 °C. Within a scenario of future climate change, it will be extremely important to avoid increasing Zn concentrations in natural habitats that would threaten conservation efforts directed toward this endangered plant species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2036–2042. © 2017 SETAC Zinc and temperature modulate respiration activity and germination in Dimorphandra wilsonii seeds.