The Chlorophyll, Cadmium and Zinc Contents in Sunflower Leaves under Cadmium and Zinc Stress Conditions

In short-term laboratory tests, changes in Cd, Zn and plant pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) contents in leaves of Sunflower grown under Cd and Zn stress conditions were investigated. CdCl2 and Zn acetate solutions were applied in the amounts 20 mg Cd or Zn per kg of soil. The presence of Cd or Zn lowered the contents of chlorophylls a and b by 6 % or 9.2 %, respectively. Statistically significant reduction of both chlorophylls and carotenoids was observed in the treatment with Cd and Zn. Total chlorophyll and carotenoids contents decreased in the order: Cd and Zn > Cd > Zn. A statistically significant increase in the Cd content of 17.2 % and reduction in the Zn content of 17.2 % were observed by application of Cd and Zn (1:1).