Influence of sulfur on cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance in Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of sulfur on cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance in Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Samma). The treatments were given as follows: 0 mM S + 0 mM Cd (control), 1 mM S + 0 mM Cd (S1), 5 mM S + 0 mM Cd (S₂), 10 mM S + 0 mM Cd (S₃), 0 mM S + 1 mM Cd (Cd), 1 mM S + 1 mM Cd (S₁+Cd), 5 mM S + 1 mM Cd (S₂+Cd),) and 10 mM S + 1 mM Cd (S₃+Cd). Plants fed with Cd showed reduced plant growth characteristics and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. However, S-exposed plants clearly exhibited enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity (catalase, peroxidase and  superoxide dismutase), chlorophyll a and b content and total soluble carbohydrates (TSC) accumulation, and decreased MDA content in wheat plants. The results indicate that application of S mitigated the adverse  effects of Cd stress by enhancing TSC, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes.

Key words: Antioxidant, cadmium stress, carbohydrates, photosynthetic pigments, Triticum aestivum.