Morpho-physiological Characteristics of Brassica napus L. Under Cadmium Stress

Cadmium as a heavy metal is also considered as a serious threat for the environment. This element is accumulated in soil through industrial processes as well as phosphate fertilizers and aggregates into the food chain. This study was conducted in order to investigate the different levels of cadmium effects on growth features of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) plants. Root and shoot weight and height, contents of chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured after one month of planting. Generally, an increase in cadmium concentration showed a significant effect on morphological characteristics of root and shoot but revealed no significant effect on chlorophyll a and b as well as on carotenoid contents, though it caused a significant decline in peroxidase activity level specially for concentrations above 90 µM of cadmium treatment.