Effect of heavy metal Cd on some physiological and biochemical parameters of Barley (Hordeumvulgare L.)

ABSTARCT: The effect of Cadmium (Cd) on some biochemical constituents viz. chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, protein, carbohydrate and proline content of Barley (Hordeumvulgare L.var.2052) seedlings were evaluated under 10, 20 and 30 mMconcentration.These concentrations significantly affected all the parameters when compared to control. Cd at 10 mM concentration resulted in less significant effect on chlorophyll, a, b and carotenoids, while higher concentration (20 and 30 mM) significantly reduced these contents. However, the addition of nitrogen (5mM) somehow minimized the effect of this heavy metal. Nitrogen increased the chlorophyll content of all the metal treated plants. Almost similar results have been observed for protein and carbohydrate contents. The proline content of plants was increased under Cd treatments. In this case, the additional supply of nitrogen in the form of ammonium nitrate decreased proline content of plants treated with Cd. Results of this strudy are in opinion that above 20 mM concentration of cadmium in the soil is toxic for cultivation of this valuable crop in this region and farmers should apply the recommended dose of N2 to reduce the cadmium toxicity for proper growth and development of the plant and ultimately the productivity.