Effects of Cadmium and Salinity on Growth and Photosynthesis Parameters of Brassica Species

Hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the sole and combined effects of cadmium and salinity on growth and photosynthesis of Brassica napus (cultivar Abasin) and Brassica juncea (cultivar NIFA-Raya). Cadmium (as CdCl2; 3 and 6 μmol L) and NaCl (100 and 200 mM) were added either alone or in combination in Hoagland solution along with non-treated controls. Cd and NaCl treatments imposed significant negative effects (p≤0.05) on shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, shoot and root water content, number of leaves plant, chlorophyll content (SPAD value), photosynthesis and stomatal conductance compared to control. The lone application of either Cd or NaCl on these parameters had comparatively less drastic effects than the combined application of both. Of the two species tested, B. juncea was found comparatively less influenced by Cd and NaCl.