Cd tolerance and accumulation in barley: screening of 36 North African cultivars on Cd-contaminated soil

In North Africa, barley (Hordeum vulgare L) is the second most cultivated cereal. Tunisia, in mining areas with possible Cd soil contamination. The accumulation of was studied 36 African cultivars cultured during 6 months on control and containing 10 ppm Cd. Cadmium did not affect germination morphology any cultivar. However, induced variable effects biomass according to cultivar Lemsi sensitive one Gisa 127 tolerant spike show differences between Cd-treated plants. number grains per weight kernels were differently affected by On this basis, we identified Manel, Temassine, Giza 130, Firdaws as Raihane, 123, Adrar, Amira ones. accumulated at a higher concentration straw than grains, but for both organs, observed significant intraspecific variability. straw, Massine showed highest concentration, while lowest recorded Temassine. kernels, Amalou 14 ?gg-1 dry (DW), 1.7 ?g g-1 DW Kebelli. Based official allowable limit grain, all represent potential risk when contaminated molecular physiological basis responsible tolerance among will require more investigations.