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Published on: March 30, 2018
Cadmium translocation and accumulation in developing barley grains.
Fei Chen1, Feibo Wu, Jing Dong
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Huajiachi Campus, Hangzhou, PR China.
Planta
|August 24, 2007
Summary
Soil cadmium contamination is a global threat. This study found that awns, rachis, and glumes help transport cadmium into barley grains, but higher humidity and zinc can reduce this uptake.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Soil cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a significant risk to food safety and agriculture globally.
- Understanding cadmium transport mechanisms in crops is crucial for mitigating its accumulation in edible portions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transport pathways of cadmium (Cd) into developing barley grains.
- To identify plant parts and physiological factors influencing Cd accumulation in grains.
Main Methods:
- Detached barley spikes (cv. ZAU 3) were cultured in cadmium-stressed nutrient solutions with phloem (rubidium) and xylem (strontium) transport markers.
- Cd concentrations were analyzed in various spike organs under different Cd levels and exposure times.
- Treatments included awn removal, stem girdling, sucrose/zinc addition, and varying relative humidity (RH).
Main Results:
- Cd concentration in barley spike parts increased with external Cd levels, with the order: awn > stem > grain > rachis > glume.
- Grains accumulated the majority of Cd (51.0%), with accumulation increasing with Cd levels and exposure time.
- Awn removal, stem girdling, zinc addition, and higher RH (90%) significantly reduced Cd transport to grains.
Conclusions:
- Awns, rachis, and glumes play a role in Cd transport to developing barley grains.
- Cd redistribution in maturing cereals is a key physiological process affecting grain quality.
- Increasing RH to 90% and adding zinc during grain filling can decrease Cd accumulation in grains.
