Effects of intercropping with Vigna radiata and Vigna umbellata on antioxidant enzyme activity of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under cadmium stress

A pot experiment was conducte to study the effects of intercropping with leguminous plants: vigna umbellata and vigna radiate on antioxidant enzymes of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress. The result showed that: under Cd stress, intercropping with leguminous plants, antioxidant enzyme activity and soluble protein content of C. betacea all increased compared to C. betacea monoculture. Intercropping with V. radiata, SOD and CAT activity significantly increased. Intercropping with V. umbellata, SOD, CAT activity and soluble protein content reached the peak, and increased by 62.14%, 94.61% and 57.94%, respectively compared to C. betacea monoculture. Under C. betacea - V. radiata V. umbellata intercropping mode, antioxidant enzyme activity of C. betacea significantly increased. In conclusion, under Cd stress, intercropping with leguminous plants could increase antioxidant enzyme activity of C. betacea to reduce Cd toxicity, especially intercropping with V. umbellata.