Effects of cadmium on some morphological and physiological traits of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

In order to investigate cadmium (Cd) effects on some morphological and physiological traits of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) on experiment as Randomized Complete Block Design with six replications was carried out in greenhouse. Treatments were 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg Cd with control. Results showed that Cd Treatments decreased morphological traits such as number, area and dry weight of green leaves in both oilseed rape and amaranth. Also, shoot and root dry weight and plant height of oilseed rape reduced. Different Cd concentrations had a significant effect on F0, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll a,b and total and carotenoid contents in amaranth. At concentration of 100 mg/kg Cd destructive effects on pigment content and chlorophyll fluorescence was observed in amaranth. Cd had no significant effect on chlorophyll fluorescence and pigment content in oilseed rape. Chlorophyll a and total had significantly negative correlation with SLA for amaranth. Anthocyanin content and chlorophyll a/b ratio were not affected by Cd stress in both amaranth and oilseed rape.