Tolerance of ryegrass to cadmium accumulation.

Freshly defoliated perennial ryegrass was transferred to nutrient solution containing Cd. Concentrations of 50-100 mg Cd/kg DM reduced top growth; in media rich in Cd (27 and 82 mg/l) the tops accumulated 100-500 mg Cd/kg DM during the first few regrowth periods, resulting in chlorosis, poor subsequent new growth and ultimately in the death of the plants. Because of the effects of Cd accumulation on subsequent growth and uptake, the level of tissue Cd toxic for plant performance and survival could not be precisely defined. Such levels would rarely if ever occur in contaminated pastures. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission