Effects of cadmium on the metabolic activity of Avena sativa plants grown in soil or hydroponic culture

Abstract

Oat (Avena sativa L.) plants cultured in soil and hydroponic culture were treated with cadmium [0.154 mg g -1 (dry soil) and 100 μM CdSO 4, respectively] for 21 d and growth rate and various biochemical processes were studied. Applied cadmium reduced plant growth and chlorophyll content. Changes in activity of enzymes involved in C, N and S metabolism and in guaiacol peroxidase activity were observed. In particular, O-acetylserine sulphydrylase (OASS; EC 4.2.99.8) activity was increased by Cd exposure in both growth conditions, probably as a resistance mechanism to cadmium based on the production of phytochelatins. Results show that both field and hydroponic conditions represent suitable systems for investigating Cd effects on plant growth and metabolism.