Effect of Cadmium on Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Iron and Cadmium Accumulation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba cv. Aštar)

Abstract

The influence of different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) ions (50 and 100 mg/kg soil) on growth, photosynthetic pigment content, Cd, and iron accumulation in faba bean (Vicia faba L. cv. Aštar) was studied under laboratory conditions. No significant changes were observed in the growth parameters of shoots (length, fresh, and dry weight). Both tested Cd doses resulted in decrease in root fresh weight by 31.7% and 28.68% and in dry weight by 32.2% and 33.33%, respectively. Increased accumulation of Cd was observed in roots (125- and 173-fold higher than in control) and shoots (125- and 150-fold higher than in control) as a result of applied doses of Cd. Increased accumulation of iron was detected in roots (1.45- and 1.69-fold higher than in control). Decrease in the content of chlorophyll a (by 25.52 and 24.83%, respectively) and chlorophyll b (by 6.90%) after application of Cd 100 as well as decrease in carotenoids (by 40.39 and 38.36%, respectively) was detected. Weak translocation of Cd from roots to shoots pointed to low phytoremediation potential of the tested bean variety in contaminated soil. However, the high tolerance of this cultivar, its relative fast growth, as well as priority of Cd accumulation in roots presume this plant species for phytostabilisation and revegetation of the Cd-contaminated soils.

Keywords

• faba bean
• cadmium
• tolerance
• photosynthesis
• oxidative stress
• remediatory potential