Study of Localization of Endogenous N-Phenyl-2-Naphthylamine and Phthalates in Pea Seedlings (Pisum sativum L.)

The content of negative allelopathic substances, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine (N-PNA) and phthalates, was studied in morphologically and physiologically different root sites, in the epicotile of etiolated pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.) and in the callus obtained from their epicotiles. The detection of N-PNA, o-phthalic acid, and phthalates in callus cells is evidence of the independent biosynthesis of these compounds in pea plant cells. Based on the changes in the content of N-PNA and phthalates caused by 10–4 M naphthalene, it was shown that the main loci of biosynthesis of these compounds in pea seedlings include the growing apical part of the root and the epicotyle. It has been suggested that legumes, characterized by the ability to metabolize these substances with the participation of endophytic bacteria capable of degrading PAHs, can be used for remediation of soils contaminated with PAH pollutants.