Effect of cadmium on autoxidation rate of tissue and inducing accumulation of free proline in seedlings of mung bean

Solution cultures were conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the growth of mung bean (Phaseolus aures Roxb. cv VC-3762), autoxidation rate of tissue and accumulation of proline. Results showed that leaf proline concentrations increased significantly in response to increasing Cd concentrations from 0 to 20 mu mol L-1 Cd in the solution. Compared to the control, Cd treatments increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde concentration) and autoxidation rate of leaves and roots. In all treatments, leaves of mung bean had greater proline concentration and had lower the autoxidation rate of tissue than the roots. There was a close positive relationship between accumulation of free proline and the rate of tissue autoxidation.