Effect of the Growing Season, Trichoderma, and Clinoptilolite Application on Potentially Toxic Elements Uptake by Cucumis melo L.

The extent to which different agricultural strategies may affect the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by cropped plants is not entirely understood at a field scale. This study addresses effect seasonality, Trichoderma inoculation alone, or combined with applications commercial-grade clinoptilolite (i.e., foliar action, fertigation, and pellet) on PTE content early- late-ripening cultivars Cucumis melo L. Two similar experiments were performed in spring summer. For each cultivar/treatment combination, input PTEs [namely, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb)] into soil-crop system through irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, treatment products products), as well melon stem, leaves, fruit, measured inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Neither alone nor had visible plants, whereas early season cultivation was strongly associated reduced Cu Pb. high correlation Pb stem leaf calcium (Ca) (used proxy for transpiration rates under growing seasons) indicated possible these metals Ca nonselective cation channels defense against drought stress. Reduced concentrations found early-ripening fruit cultivated spring. Concerning risk management, case significant contamination Mediterranean calcareous soils, are suggested instead ones.