EFFECT OF CADMIUM STRESS ON AMINO ACID AND POLYAMINE CONTENT OF WHEAT SEEDLINGS

Abstract

The effect of cadmium and combined cadmium and titanium-ascorbate or magnesium was examined on wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Alföld-90). The one-week-old hydroponically-grown seedlings of wheat were exposed to Cd²⁺(10^-7 M, 10^-3 M), Cd²⁺(10^-7 M, 10^-3 M) + titanium-ascorbate (5μ g L^-1) and Cd²⁺(10^-7 M, 10^-3 M) + 1 % MgCl₂ stresses. The stress effects were followed by changes in free amino acid and polyamine contents in roots and shoots. The results showed significant differences between the two organs of the plant (root and shoot) with respect to the biochemical response to the applied stress. The cadmium stress caused the accumulation of proline in both shoots and roots. Both titanium-ascorbate and magnesium treatments seemed to reduce the negative effects of cadmium damage in wheat seedlings.