Main Article Content

Abstract

The influence of cadmium (Cd) on physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants exposed to either optimal mineral nutrition or the absence of magnesium (Mg) as well as the accumulation of cadmium and magnesium in plant organs were studied using the method of water culture in a greenhouse. Cd treatment reduced shoot fresh mass more strongly in Mg-supplied than in Mg-deficient plants. Negative effect of Cd on photosynthetic activity was more pronounced in T. aestivum than in Z. mays plants. Cd treatment decreased leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration in both Z. mays and T. aestivum, irrespective of the Mg supply. Cd was preferentially accumulated in the roots of both species. Catalase activity in T. aestivum leaves and roots was unaffected by Cd and Mg supply. Cd treatment did not affect Fe accumulation in the leaves of either species, while in the roots a considerable increase occurred, irrespective of the Mg nutrition. Higher tolerance of Z. mays and T. aestivum plants to Cd toxicity exposed to Mg deficiency could partly be ascribed to the preservation of Fe nutrition.

Keywords

cadmium toxicity growth magnesium supply photosynthetic activity pigments Triticum aestivum tolerance Zea mays

Article Details

Author Biography

Nataša Nikolic, Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia

Department of Biology and Ecology
How to Cite
Nikolic, N., Borisev, M., Pajevic, S., Zupunski, M., Topic, M., & Arsenov, D. (2014). Responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) plants to cadmium toxicity in relation to magnesium nutrition. Acta Botanica Croatica, 73(2). Retrieved from https://ojs3.abc.botanic.hr/index.php/abc/article/view/980

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.