Effects of cadmium on seed germination and growth of alfalfa

Effects of cadmium on alfalfa seed germination and growth were studied.The results show that the effects of cadmium on the germination rate of seeds are not significant when Cd²⁺ concentration ranges from 0mg/kg to 10mg/kg,but the effects on the germinating energy are significant.Once Cd²⁺ concentration is up to 30mg/kg,the germination of seeds is evidently inhibited with significantly decreased germinating energy and rate.Cd²⁺ with different concentrations all can inhibit the growth of buds and roots significantly,and has stronger inhibition on root than on plumule.Basically,with the increase of Cd²⁺ concentration,the inhibiting effect is enforced,and the index of seed vigor is decreased.The growth of seedlings is almost inhibited completely while Cd²⁺ concentration is up to 50mg/kg.