COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SIX MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) CULTIVARS CONCERNING CADMIUM UPTAKE, PARTITIONING AND TOLERANCE

This experiment was conducted to determine Cd accumulation, partitioning, translocation and their ultimate consequences on growth and biochemical traits of six maize cultivars to screen out Cd tolerant one. A significant decrease in growth and biochemical traits as well as in Cd tolerance index was found, especially at higher Cd level. Moreover, the varieties and Cd treatments were found significant for the growth and biochemical traits. Uptake of Cd, Ca, K and P in the different plant tissues were significantly affected by the varieties and Cd treatments. Translocation, bioconcentration and bioaccumulation factors were found non-significant for varieties and Cd treatments. A significant positive correlation was found between growth and biochemical traits while, among plant total Cd, Ca, K and P, total plant dry; and fresh weight and plant height were significantly negative. Furthermore, the PC1 was loaded by growth traits; Ca, K and P while PC2 by the Cd in different plant tissues. Hence, a strong negative correlation was observed between the PC1 and PC2 parameters. The maximum Cd accumulation was in the roots rather than the crown and leaf tissues of maize cultivars. The EV-1098 was to be more tolerant to Cd stress than other cultivars.