Effect of Cadmium on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Wheat (triticum Aestivum L.) Cultivars

Cadmium (Cd) is extremely toxic metal and reduces plant growth. Therefore, study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various Cd levels 0, 5, 20, 50 and 80 mg L on seed germination and seedling growth of four wheat cultivars (Sehar-06, Fareed-06, Inqlab-91, Chakwal-50). Cadmium showed toxicity at 5 mg L in case of root and shoot growth whereas 20 mg L in case of seed germination and germination energy which is aggravated on further addition of Cd from 50 to 80 mg L. Sehar-06 performed better under Cd stress while Inqlab-91 had poor performance. Later had maximum decrease in root length (70.4%), shoot length (81.2%), percent germination (68%) and germination index (76.8%) at 80 mg L Cd compared to control. Tolerance index varied among different cultivars, maximum tolerance was observed in Sehar-06 followed by Fareed-06, Chakwal-50 and Inqlab-91. From these results it is evident that cv. Sehar-06 could germinate well on soils contaminated with Cd, however, more studies are required to signify its effects on growth and yield of wheat.