THE MAIN AND INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF ZINC AND CADMIUM ON THEIR UPTAKE BY WINTER WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

A nutrient solution experiment was conducted to investigate the main and interactive effect of Zn and Cd on their uptake by winter wheat. The experiment used a factorial combination of four Zn levels (0, 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/L) and three Cd levels (0, 5, and 50 mg/L). Results showed that Cd supply caused a reduction in plant dry weight, a decline in the Zn concentration of stems and leaves, and an increase in the Cd concentrations throughout the plant. Zinc supply resulted in an increase in plant dry weight, a significant reduction in root Cd concentrations, and an increase in Zn concentrations throughout wheat plants. The translocation coefficient of Zn was greater than 1 and larger than that of Cd. The ZnxCd interaction had a significant effect on root Cd concentrations and leaf Zn concentrations. There was a significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd concentrations in plant tissues. In conclusion, it may be possible to reduce Cd accumulation in wheat plants by increasing soil Zn application rates.