Variation in cadmium concentrations in shoots of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Fifty plants from each of eight chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) populations were screened for foliar cadmium (Cd) concentrations using soil containing 1.2 mg Cd kg(-1). There was substantial variation in Cd concentrations in all the populations and no relationship between Cd level and plant size. Two polycrosses were done with plants selected for lower Cd and one polycross with plants selected for higher Cd, and the progenies tested for foliar Cd and growth rate. Progenies from parents selected for higher Cd averaged 15.1 mg Cd kg(-1) and the progenies from those selected for lower Cd averaged 8.1 mg Cd kg(-1). The % realised heritabilities for shoot Cd concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 1.0. This means that it should be possible to breed productive, low Cd chicory for use as a forage on soils with elevated Cd, as well as hyper accumulating types for phytoremediation of contaminated soils.