Impact of cadmium on forage kale (Brassica oleracea var. viridis cv Prover) after 3-,10-and 56-day exposure to a Cd-spiked field soil

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element for living organisms and is widespread in metal-contaminated soils. As organisms which can grow up on these polluted areas, plants have some protection mechanisms against Cd issues. Among the plant kingdom, the Brassicaceae family includes species which are known to be able to tolerate and accumulate Cd in their tissues. In this study, Brassica oleracea var. viridis cv Prover was exposed to a range of artificially Cd-contaminated soils (from 2.5 up to 20 mg kg(-1)) during 3, 10, and 56 days and the effects on life traits, photosynthesis activity, antioxidant enzymatic activities were studied. Metal accumulation was quantified, as well as DNA damage, by means of the comet assay and immunodetection of 8-OHdG levels. Globally, B. oleracea was relatively tolerant to those Cd exposures. However, comet assay and detection of 8-OHdG revealed some DNA damage but which are not significant. According to metal accumulation analysis, B. oleracea var. viridis cv Prover could be a good candidate for alternative growing in contaminated areas.

Automated summary

Cadmium is a highly toxic element found in metal-contaminated soils, but plants in the Brassicaceae family, such as Brassica oleracea var. viridis cv Prover, have mechanisms to tolerate and accumulate Cd. Despite some DNA damage observed, B. oleracea var. viridis cv Prover shows potential as a candidate for alternative growing in contaminated areas.