Cadmium toxicity induced changes in plant water relations and oxidative metabolism of Brassica juncea L. plants
Singh, P.K.; Tewari, R.K.
Journal of Environmental Biology 24(1): 107-112
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0254-8704 PMID: 12974420 Document Number: 554286
Excess of cadmium (Cd) induced changes in oxidative scenario and water status of plants viz., total water content, specific water content, water saturation deficit and transpiration of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea cv. Varuna) plants grown in soil pot culture. Although lower and marginal levels of excess cadmium (100 and 250 ppm) improved growth but higher levels (500 ppm) caused significant suppression. Significant accumulation of proline, an indicator of water stress, occurred at higher level of Cd. Gradual increases in activities of certain antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase along with increased lipid peroxidation suggested disturbed oxidative metabolism. Taking together, the deleterious effects of Cd and its effects on oxidative metabolism clearly indicate enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species to be instrumental in producing toxic effects of Cd. The excess levels of Cd also decreased the concentrations of soluble protein and chlorophylls and increased the ratio of chlorophyll a/b.