Subcellular Distribution and Chemical Forms of Cadmium in Two Hot Pepper Cultivars Differing in Cadmium Accumulation

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium (Cd) in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits between a low-Cd cultivar (Yeshengchaotianjiao, YCT) and a high-Cd cultivar (Jinfuzaohuangjiao, JFZ) of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The Cd concentrations in the root's subcellular fractions, and in all chemical forms in roots, were 1.85-4.88- and 1.84-4.90-fold higher, respectively, in YCT than in JFZ. Compared with JFZ, YCT had significantly lower Cd concentrations in the subcellular fractions (1.10-2.42-fold) of stems and leaves and in almost all chemical forms (1.17-2.97-fold) in the stems and leaves. Also, in fruits, the concentrations of Cd in the cell wall and soluble fractions were 1.18-2.24-fold significantly lower in YCT than in JFZ, and there were lower Cd concentrations (1.36-2.08-fold) in the chemical forms in YCT than in JFZ.