CADMIUM ACCUMULATION OF TAGETES ERECTA L. AFFECTED BY PLANT GROWTH INHIBITORS AND GLUTATHIONE

The effect of two plant growth inhibitors maleic hydrazide (MH) and cyeloheximide (CHI) on cadmium (Cd) accumulation was investigated in Tagetes erecta L. The relative growth rate (RGR) as well as Cd content in shoots of Tagetes erecta L. was obviously decreased by the two inhibitors, indicating that there was close relationship between Cd accumulation in shoots and the plant growth. When the sulfur (S)-containing compound glutathione (GSH) was applied to the leaves of Tagetes erecta L. under the MH or CHI treatment, the decreased Cd content in shoots affected by MH was alleviated, but there was no effect of the GSH on Cd content in shoots under CHI treatment, suggesting that GSH has an counter-effect on Cd accumulation in shoots of Tagetes erecta L. under the MH treatment. All the results suggested that plant growth and S-containing compounds play an important role in Cd accumulation in Tagetes erecta L.