Effects of intercropping with Vigna umbellata and Vigna radiata on cadmium accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

This study investigated the effect of intercropping on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) by Cyphomandra betacea seedlings that was intercropped with leguminous plants: Vigna angularis and Vigna radiatus. The result showed that: under Cd stress, intercropping with leguminous plants, biomass of C. betacea displayed a general ascending trend compared to C. betacea monoculture. Intercropping with V. umbellata, the biomass of roots, stems, leaves and shoots significantly increased respectively by 24.79%, 49.16%, 23.93% and 30.45%. Root shoot ratio decreased. However, under Cd stress, intercropping with leguminous plants substantially enhanced Cd uptake by stems and leaves of C. betacea. And translocation factor increased, the capacity of Cd translocation to shoots was improved. In conclusion, under Cd stress, intercropping with leguminous plants could increase biomass of C. betacea. Intercropping with V. umbellata increased the biomass most, and the ability of Cd tolerance of C. betacea was improved.