Cadmium Uptake by Plants

Abstract Absorption of 115m Cd by soybean ( Glycine max L.) plants via foliar and root systems and translocation into the seed was determined. The uptake of 115m cd by soybeans via the root system was more efficient than that of the foliar placement. Growth and Cd concentrations of soybean and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) tops were influenced by soil‐applied Cd. In both crops, the Cd concentration of plant tops increased while yield decreased with increasing levels of applied Cd. Cadmium toxicity began to occur in both crops at the lowest level of soil applied Cd (2.5 ppm). With soybean plants, Cd toxicity symptoms resembled Fe chlorosis. For wheat plants there were no visual symptoms other than the stunted growth. The relative concentration of Cd found in several vegetable crops varied depending on the plant species. The relative Cd concentration in descending order for various vegetables was lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) > radish top ( Raphanus sativus L.) > celery stalk ( Apium graveolens L.) > celery leaves ⩾ green pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.) > radish roots.