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Alleviation of cadmium toxicity on maize seedlings by calcium

Research Authors
A. E. El-Enany
Research Abstract

The rate of germination, radicle and plumule length, fresh and dry mass of maize seedlings were increased as Ca2+ was added to the nutrient solution, which contained different levels of Cd2+, especially at low concentration of Ca2+ (5 mM) and high concentrations of Cd2+ (1.4 and 1.8 mM). The biosynthesis of pigments, respiration rate and content of soluble saccharides in endosperm were reduced sharply as the concentration of Cd2+ in the medium increased. This effects was alleviated by Ca2+ addition. Cd2+ content in seedlings was increased as the Cd2+ concentration in medium was increased and decreased sharply as Ca2+ was present in the culture medium. The study suggests liming of soil with CaCO3 to improve the yield of many crops.

Research Journal
Biologia Plantarum

Research Publisher
Volume 37,
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Number 1
Research Website
DOI: 10.1007/BF02913003
Research Year
1994
Research Pages
93-99,