CADMIUM TOXICITY IN MULBERRY PLANTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF LEAVES

Abstract

The responses of mulberry (Morus alba L.) on exposure to different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were studied. Plant growth and nutritional quality of the leaves were affected by soil-applied Cd. Reduction in the above parameters were obvious at the increasing concentration (above 20 μg/g) of Cd tested, although most of the parameters showed an increase at the initial concentrations (5–20 μg/g). The nutritional quality of the leaves (total protein, carbohydrate, and total chlorophyll) exhibited a declining trend with an increase in the test concentration of Cd. However, free aminoacid and total nitrogen "content of the leaves showed an increase. Crude fibre content on the other hand showed an initial declining trend followed by an increase; however, compared to control no increase was observed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We are very grateful to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi – India, for awarding a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) to the first author. The authors are also thankful to Dr. V. Gopal, Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, for his constant encouragement and for providing research facilities.