Cadmium affects Phosphatase activity leading to Reduced Power assay of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Heavy metal stress is an important factor which may influence plants’ growth and metabolism. The present study investigates the effects of cadmium (soil treated twice/ week with 10, 20 and 30 mM) on the specific activities of phosphatases which might lead to reducing power assay in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L, var 2052) seedling. A significant decrease in the redox potential of shoot compared to root was observed at the similar concentration of cadmium. A similar trend on leaves were also noted. Acid and alkaline phosphatase specific activities were significantly higher in roots than in shoot at all the three concentration of cadmium i.e. 10, 20 and 30mM, compared to controls. The above mentioned changes were more pronounced at 30mM concentration of cadmium than two other concentration. These results lead us to suggest that increased cadmium concentration in soil might lead to an adverse effects on plant growth and phosphatase activities.