Influence of cadmium on growth and development of <i>Vicia faba </i>Linn.

Abstract

Influence of cadmium (Cd) on growth and development of broad bean (<i>V. faba</i>)<i> </i>was assessed in pot cultures with cadmium iodide (CdI₂) in different concentrations ranging from 15 to 500 mg per kg of soil. There was a decline in plant height and total dry weight. Root size decreased most significantly with a corresponding reduction in the frequency of root nodules. Total soluble protein in leaf, stem and root suffered a pronounced loss with increasing concentration of cadmium. Chlorophyll a was the most sensitive pigment followed by chlorophyll b and carotenoids. Nitrate reductase activity too was adversely affected. Cadmium contamination induced abnormalities in stomata and trichomes.