Laticifers are highly specialized cells that synthesize and store natural rubber. Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensisMuell. Arg.) contain both primary and secondary laticifers. Morphological and functional differences between the two types of laticifers are largely unknown, but such information is important for breeding and cultivation practices. Morphological comparison using paraffin sections revealed only distribution differences: the primary laticifers were distributed randomly, while the secondary laticifers were distributed in concentric rings. Using isolated laticifer networks, the primary laticifers were shown to develop via intrusive “budding” and formed necklace-like morphology, while the secondary laticifers developed straight and smooth cell walls. Comparative transcriptome analysis indicated that genes involved in cell wall modification, such as pectin esterase, lignin metabolic enzymes, and expansins, were highly up-regulated in the primary laticifers and correspond to its necklace-like morphology. Genes involved in defense against biotic stresses and rubber biosynthesis were highly up-regulated in the primary laticifers, whereas genes involved in abiotic stresses and dormancy were up-regulated in the secondary laticifers, suggesting that the primary laticifers are more adequately prepared to defend against biotic stresses, while the secondary laticifers are more adequately prepared to defend against abiotic stresses. Therefore, the two types of laticifers are morphologically and functionally distinct.

Industrial hemp is a crop with a high tolerance and accumulation of lead (Pb). Improving the Pb tolerance and accumulation capacity of industrial hemp is of great scientific and practical importance. This study utilized a pot with soil contaminated with Pb to investigate the differences in Pb tolerance between two industrial hemp varieties, Yunma1 (YM) and Shaanxi Industrial Hemp (SM), under Pb stress. The results indicated that Pb mainly accumulates in the roots of YM and SM (70–80%), with YM having a higher Pb accumulation than SM. It is worth nothing that under high Pb concentration conditions (5000 mg/kg), the Pb accumulation capacity of YM is twice that of SM. Accumulation characteristics of Pb in different plant tissues followed the pattern: roots > stems > leaves > fibers > seeds. In YM, approximately 70% of the absorbed Pb was fixed in the roots and 30% was transported to the above-ground parts. In contrast, SM transported more than 50% of absorbed Pb by roots to the above-ground areas, causing some degree of damage to stems and leaves. Even when Pb concentrations exceed 4000 mg/kg, YM exhibits strong tolerance (tolerance index greater than 90%), with normal growth and no signs of toxicity. However, SM showed a tolerance level of < 50% at high Pb concentrations, with significant heavy metal toxicity symptoms in the above-ground areas. These results provide important information for the remediation of Pb contaminated soils in mining areas.