EFFECT OF CADMIUM ON GROWTH, PROTEIN CONTENT AND PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN PEA PLANTS

In this study the effects of different cadmium chloride concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM) on some physiological and biochemical processes including seed germination, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, protein content and peroxidase activity in peas (Cicer arietinum cv. pars) were investigated. Cadmium did not have any significant effect on the rate of pea seed germination. However, it affected the subsequent growth rate in these plants. Higher cadmium concentrations specially at 50 and 100 µM reduced plant growth significantly. Leaf chlorosis, wilting and leaf abscission were observed in plants treated with cadmium. Protein content in pea roots reduced significantly in the presence of high cadmium concentrations. Low concentrations of CdCl2 resulted in higher peroxidase activity both in roots and shoots of pea plants.