Influence of cadmium on mineral concentrations and yield components in wheat genotypes differing in Cd tolerance at seedling stage

A solution culture experiment was conducted on five wheat cultivars and nine nutrient levels of cadmium (Cd) to determine the genotypic differences on biomass production, yield and yield components of wheat. Addition of 1 mg l(-1) of Cd significantly reduced root and stem dry weight as well as tillers weight. The reduction rates were different among wheat genotypes. Number of grains per ear and single grain weight, was not reduced consistently in five genotypes because of the compensation among yield components. The accumulation of Cd in roots was 20 times higher than shoots and about 200 times higher than grains. A significant difference among genotypes existed in response of Cd concentration in various plant parts to Cd addition. The effect of Cd addition on nutrient concentrations in plants varied among elements, plant parts and genotypes. Cd treatment caused more P, K and Mn accumulation in roots, probably due to the inhibition of their translocation to plant shoots. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.