The Effects of Cadmium Concentrations on Germination and Physiological Parameters in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Lam.)

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is omnipresent trace element in environmental that is unessential in plants. Cd levels rise because of anthropogenic activity such as the combustion of fossil fuels, phosphate fertilizer manufacturing, mineral fertilizers, batteries technology. It is extremely toxic metal and reduces plant growth. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations (5/10/20/40 ppm) of Cd on germination of seeds and physiological effects in early developmental stage of tomato Solanum lycopersicum Lam. seedlings. 20 ppm (80%) and 40 ppm (83.3%) Cd concentrations caused significantly decrease in germination percentage. All Cd treatments were resulted with decrease in Vigor Index, especially in 20 ppm (42% decrease compared to control). Application of 5 ppm Cd caused decreases in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in seedlings. Finally, significant decrease in protein content of 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 20 ppm treated seedlings were determined compared to control. As a conclusion, Cd negatively affected germination and physiological parameters of tomato in early developmental stage. Overall, these results indicate that Cd affects different physiologic processes and pathways according to concentration.