Transfer values to fruits of Li in tomato and Cd in bush beans

Abstract

Different levels of Li (10^‐5, 10^‐4, 5 x 1^‐4 M) and Cd (2 x 10^‐6, 10^‐5, 10^‐4 M) were studied in solution culture in a glasshouse to evaluate the effects on growth and fruit transfer values in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill, cv. Marglobe) and bushbeans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Improved Tendergreen). No effect on yield was observed for up to 10^‐4 M Li levels; after that yields were significantly decreased. The yield of bush‐beans was significantly reduced by the Cd levels added. The Li in solution culture significantly increased the Li concentration in tomato roots, leaves, and fruits. The Cd had an increasing effect on Cd concentration only in bushbean roots and a nonsignificant effect was observed in leaves and pods. Considerable amounts of Li were translocated to leaves and fruits while very little Cd was found in fruit pods. The exact amount was unknown due to limits of method.

Key words:

• Fruit transfer value
• Cd concentration
• Li concentration