Effect of zirconium chelate on cadmium stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L. MV.20) seedlings

Abstract

Wheat seedlings were grown hydroponically, for the heavy metal treatment 200 μM Cd acetate was applied. Nutrient solutions were also supplemented with a water-soluble zirconium ascorbate complex (Zr-ASC) at several concentrations. Our results indicated that wheat seedlings have accumulated great amounts of zirconium and cadmium in their roots and shoots. Zirconium uptake was increased under Cd stress; however, its translocation to the leaves was mitigated. Increased activities of guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) reflected a Cd induced oxidative challenge in plant cells. Cadmium induced heavy metal stress symptoms could be alleviated by 10 and 33 μM Zr-ASC, which was also confirmed by the reduced activities of all the tested antioxidant enzymes.