CONTENT OF CADMIUM IN OILSEED POPPY (PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM L.)

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is in Central Europe a traditional delicacy used for direct consumption. Poppy plants have the ability to accumulate heavy metals in the seed. The dangerous element is particularly cadmium. Several studies show the ability to attract these metals in bulk. Various literary sources background on a different level of contamination. This is conditional on several factors. Accumulation of Cd was found in the range of 0.090 to 2.300 mg. kg-1 dry seed. The production technology of this product may reduce intake of the cadmium. It is a complex action such as choosing the right location, adjustment of soil over pH 6.5, increasing organic matter and humus in the soil, good nutrition and fertilization, especially the application of boron.