Morphological changes induced by heavy metals in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Web.) growing on mine soils

Purpose

Heavy metal accumulation produces significant physiological and biochemical responses in vascular plants. Plants growing on abandoned mine sites are of particular interest, since they are genetically tolerant to high metal concentrations. In this work, we examined the effect of heavy metals (HMs) on the morphology of T. officinale growing in pots with mine soils, with the following objectives: (1) to determine the evolution of HM concentration in leaves and roots over 3 years of cultivation; (2) to highlight possible damage at anatomical and cytological level.

Materials and methods

Wild specimens of Taraxacum officinale Web., with their soil clod, were gathered from three sites with different contamination levels by heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) in the abandoned Imperina Valley mine (Northeast Italy). A control plant was also gathered from a non-contaminated site nearby. Plants were cultivated in pots at the botanical garden of the University of Florence (HBF), and appeared macroscopically not affected by toxic signals (reduced growth, leaf necrosis) possibly induced by soil HM concentration. Leaves and roots taken at the same growing season were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Results and discussion

Light microscopy observations show a clear difference in the cellular organisation of non-contaminated and contaminated samples. The unpolluted samples present a well-organised palisade tissue and spongy photosynthetic parenchyma. Samples from contaminated sites, instead, present a palisade parenchyma less organised, and a reduction of leaf thickness proportional to HM concentration. The poor structural organisations, and the reduced foliar thickness of the contaminated plants, are related to soil contamination. Differences in root micromorphology concern the cortical parenchyma. Moreover, all the samples examined present mycorrhiza. Ultrastructure observations of the parenchyma cells show mitochondrial structure alteration, with lacking or reduced cristae of the internal membrane at increasing metal content. Instead, chloroplast organisation does not present significant differences, particularly in number and compartmentalization of thylakoids.

Conclusions

Although macromorphology does not present evidence of phytotoxicity, the recorded observations of the micromorphological characteristics of leaves and roots, show a suffering state of the plants, strictly related to HM content. Leaching reduced partly the HM content of the soil, therefore decreasing their phytotoxic effect. A gradual restoration of leaf organisation suggests that somewhat resilience occurred in plants. Moreover, the presence of stress-tolerant mycorrhizal fungi could contribute to reduce metal toxicity.     

Effect of selenium foliar application on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Leaves of young chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) plants were sprayed with selenate (1 mg SeVI/L) to establish the distribution of added selenium (Se) in the heads. Its concentration was analyzed in the outer, intermediate, and innermost leaves of chicory heads. The concentration of Se was about double (43-46 ng Se g-1 DM) that in the control (21-24 ng Se g-1 DM), indicating that the applied Se was transported from the sprayed leaves to the heads. In cv. Monivip, Se concentration was even throughout the head, but in cv. Anivip, the innermost leaves had a lower concentration of Se. No visual symptoms of Se toxicity appeared on the plants, and the quantum yield of photosystem II showed no indication that Se spraying could be harmful for energy conversion. Se increased the respiratory potential in young plants but not in plants at harvest time.     

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) — A monitor for environmental pollution?

Neutron activation analysis has been used to determine the amounts of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Sb, Se, and Zn in the leaves of Taraxacum offcinale and show that it accumulates these elements. The accumulation corresponds to the extent of environmental pollution. Since Taraxacum officinale is widely distributed it may be successfully used for monitoring metal pollution.     

Influence of cultivation site on sesquiterpene lactone composition of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

The forage potential of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) has not been realized in southern West Virginia (WV) because ruminants are reluctant to consume the herbage. Chicory contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones that can adversely impact palatability. This study was undertaken to determine whether sesquiterpene lactone concentrations in chicory grown in southern WV differ from those in chicory grown in central Pennsylvania (PA) where chicory is grazed readily. Herbage was collected in 1997 and 1998 from cultivars Grasslands Puna (Puna), INIA le Lacerta (Lacerta), and Forage Feast established at research sites near State College, PA, and Beckley, WV. The total concentration of sesquiterpene lactones in WV-grown cultivars was 0.58% (dry matter basis) in Puna, 0.59% in Lacerta, and 0.79% in Forage Feast in 1997 and ranged from 1.03 (Lacerta) to 1.52% (Forage Feast) in 1998. In PA-grown cultivars, sesquiterpene lactones represented 0.16 (Puna), 0.18 (Lacerta), and 0.27% (Forage Feast) of the forage dry matter in 1997 and ranged from 0.32 (Lacerta) to 0.55% (Forage Feast) in 1998. Concentrations of lactucin, lactucopicrin, and total sesquiterpene lactones in Forage Feast exceeded those in the other cultivars grown at the same site. The lowest concentrations of lactucopicrin and total sesquiterpene lactones observed among WV-grown cultivars were higher (2-fold or more) than the highest concentrations present in cultivars grown the same year in PA. Mineral analyses of soils from the two cultivation sites indicate that P availability may influence sesquiterpene lactone composition of chicory herbage. Results provide a foundation for future studies of environmental effects on sesquiterpene lactone composition and palatability of chicory herbage.     

Antioxidant,prooxidant, and cytotoxic activities of solvent-fractionated dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extracts in vitro

This study was conducted to investigate the chemical antioxidant and bioactive properties of the water (WF) and ethyl acetate fractions (EAF) derived from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract (DFE). HPLC analysis showed the presence of both luteolin and luteolin 7-glucoside in the DFE, which contributed to noted in vitro antioxidant and Caco-2 cell cytotoxic activities. Both WF and EAF of DFE exhibited free radical scavenging activities in a stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical model and reduced the breakage of supercoiled DNA strand induced by both non-site-specific and site-specific hydroxyl radical. Oxidation of structured phosphatidylcholine liposome induced by peroxyl radical was reduced in the presence of both EAF and WF. EAF had greater (p < 0.05) affinity to scavenge peroxyl radical than WF, as measured by the formation of conjugated diene. At low concentration, prooxidant activity of both fractions was observed in Cu(2+)-induced structured liposome and hLDL oxidation models, thus indicating that the reducing power of the DFE had resulted in generation of reactive cuprous ion. However, at high concentrations the EAF did not promote oxidation in the presence of Cu(2+), suggesting that the free radical scavenging activity of this fraction was sufficient to minimize the potential oxidative mechanism attributed to the metal ion reducing activity associated with prooxidant activity.     

Presence of war related elements in dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a possible consequence of military activities in east Croatia

This is the first study on concentrations of war related elements in dandelion from war effected areas of Croatia. Previous research done on human subjects, soil and water has shown abnormalities in distribution of war associated metals and metalloids in war affected areas compared with peacetime locations. Dandelion, as wide spread perennial herb, is considered as very useful plant in determination of trace elements pollution in various ecosystems. Aim of the research was to try to determine whether concentrations of war related elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn) concentrations in dandelion (Taraxacum officinalle) samples in areas of high intensity of combat activities differ from areas of low intensity of combat activities, and to clarify possible contamination in dandelion as an indicator (and edible) plant with it's role in food chain. Leaves of the dandelion were taken at locations (28 locations at 11 settlements) were divided into two major subgroups: high and low intensity of combat activities, at the locations of major explosions, former minefields, army trenches?…?Analysis was done using ICP-MS and data was interpreted using Mann Whitney test and PCA. Results have shown that there is difference in concentration of war related elements among different locations, with generally, higher concentrations of war elements in war areas compared with control group. Maximum concentrations of As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, U, V and Zn were higher in areas of high intensity of combat activities. When results are compared with similar researches, overall presence of metals and metalloids is legally acceptable, however, there are differences in concentrations between war and peacetime locations.     

Antioxidant activity of minimally processed red chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) evaluated in xanthine oxidase-, myeloperoxidase-, and diaphorase-catalyzed reactions

Minimally processed red chicory products (Cichorium intybus L. var. silvestre) were studied for their polyphenol content and antioxidant activity evaluated by using the synthetic 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl radical and three model reactions catalyzed by relevant enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species, namely, xanthine oxidase, myeloperoxidase, and diaphorase. Products were analyzed at the time of production and after storage at 4 degrees C within either a gas permeable film or a gas barrier film. The antioxidant activity and contents of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids decreased by less than 20% during storage of the minimally processed red chicory products. Total phenolics were significantly correlated with the antioxidant activity evaluated with both the synthetic radical and the enzyme-catalyzed reactions. On a molar basis, red chicory phenolics were as efficient as the reference compound Trolox in scavenging the synthetic radical. However, red chicory phenolics had a much higher inhibitory activity than Trolox in the model enzymatic systems.     

Antioxidant capacity changes and phenolic profile of Echinacea purpurea, nettle (Urtica dioica L.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) after application of polyamine and phenolic biosynthesis regulators

The changes of the antioxidant (AOA) and antiradical activities (ARA) and the total contents of phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxybenzoic acid in roots and different aerial sections of Echinacea purpurea, nettle, and dandelion, after treatment with ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, a polyamine inhibitor (O-phosphoethanolamine, KF), and a phenol biosynthesis stimulator (carboxymethyl chitin glucan, CCHG) were analyzed spectrophotometrically; hydroxycinnamic acids content was analyzed by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Both regulators increased the AOA measured as inhibition of peroxidation (IP) in all herb sections, with the exception of Echinacea stems after treatment with KF. In root tissues IP was dramatically elevated mainly after CCHG application: 8.5-fold in Echinacea, 4.14-fold in nettle, and 2.08-fold in dandelion. ARA decrease of Echinacea leaves treated with regulators was in direct relation only with cichoric acid and caftaric acid contents. Both regulators uphold the formation of cinnamic acid conjugates, the most expressive being that of cichoric acid after treatment with CCHG in Echinacea roots from 2.71 to 20.92 mg g(-1). There was a strong relationship between increase of the total phenolics in all sections of Echinacea, as well as in the studied sections of dandelion, and the anthocyanin content.     

Spontaneous gene flow and population structure in wild and cultivated chicory, Cichorium intybus L.

Spontaneous gene flow between wild and cultivated chicory, Cichorium intybus L., may have implications for the genetic structure and evolution of populations and varieties. One aspect of this crop-wild gene flow is the dispersal of transgenes from genetically modified varieties, e.g. gene flow from GM chicory to natural chicory could have unwanted consequences. With the purpose to identify and quantify crop-wild gene flow in chicory, we analysed introgression in 19 wild chicory populations and 16 accessions of chicory varieties and landraces distributed across Northern, Central and Mediterranean Europe. The analysis used 281 AFLP markers and 75 SSAP markers giving a total of 356 polymorphic markers. Results from model based assignments with the program STRUCTURE indicated many incidents of recent gene flow. Gene flow was observed both between cultivars and wild populations, between landraces and wild populations, between different wild populations as well as between cultivars. Population structure visualized by distance-based clustering showed a North–South geographical structuring of the wild populations, and a general grouping of the cultivars corresponding to known origin. The results indicated, however, that the structuring between the two groups of wild and cultivated types was weak. As crop and wild recipients are genetically close and genes are transferred between the two types rather frequently, focus on mitigating crop-wild gene flow should be increased, before transgenic varieties are cultivated openly.     

Evaluation of the phenolic content in the aerial parts of different varieties of Cichorium intybus L

Fresh aerial parts of different chicory varieties: green chicory (c.v. "Catalogna"), two red chicory varieties ("radicchio rosso di Chioggia" and "radicchio rosso di Treviso"), and Witloof or Belgian endive were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/MS. The chromatographic fingerprint was diagnostic for each variety. A monocaffeoyl tartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and chicoric acid were detected in all the varieties, while cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, delphinidin 3-O-(6' malonyl) glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-(6' malonyl) glucoside were the main phenolic compounds in the red varieties. The flavonoidic compounds, quercetin 3-O-glucuronide and luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, were absent in the Witloof sample. The phenolic compounds from total leaves were the same as those obtained from only the colored parts; nevertheless, the total amount was remarkably lower with a decrease of up to 80% for Belgian endive. Chemical stability at high temperature was observed for the phenolic fraction from the green variety after decoction at 100 degrees C for 30 min.     

Soil fertility requirements of root chicory (Cichorium intybus var. sativum): a review

Abstract

Root chicory is mainly grown in Belgium and the Netherlands with production also elsewhere in Europe, India, and South Africa. The world’s crop is worth an estimated US$56.04 million. India and South Africa focus on supplying root chicory to the blend coffee industry. Only limited and variable information is available on the fertilizer requirements of root chicory. Most studies on nitrogen (N) report that chicory in cooler, temperate regions requires 40–75?kg?N/ha compared to 200?kg?N/ha in warmer areas. Recommended rates for phosphorus (P) range from 0 to 69?kg?P/ha. Poor responses to potassium (K) are reported with recommended rates from 0 to 190?kg?K/ha. Application rates for sulfur (S) of 10–30?kg?S/ha have been suggested. Suitable micronutrient requirements and soil acid saturation and pH values for root chicory have not been published. To establish crop norms a concerted effort is needed to quantify the fertilizer use of root chicory.     

Maize (Zea mays L.) genetic factors for preventing fumonisin contamination

Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum are the most frequently isolated fungi from maize (Zea mays L.) in Spain. Both Fusarium species produce toxins potentially dangerous for animals and humans, the fumonisins being the most significant of those toxins. White maize is preferred for human consumption, and extra care should be taken to avoid kernel mycotoxin contamination. The objectives of this study were to identify and quantify kernel infection by Fusarium spp. and contamination by fumonisin on white maize hybrids, to search for white maize sources of resistance to infection by Fusarium spp. and mycotoxin contamination, and to preliminarily study the genetics involved in such resistances. Ten F(1) single crosses derived from a diallel mating design among five white maize inbreds were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2002 at two locations. Fusarium verticilloides and F. proliferatum were detected on kernels of white maize hybrids cultivated in northwestern Spain. No differences in fungal infection were found among maize genotypes, but differences in fumonisin contamination were significant and could be related, in part, to differences in husk tightness. Among the genotypes studied, general combining ability (GCA) effects were the most important for resistance to fumonisin contamination. Inbreds EP10 and EC22 showed the most favorable GCA effects for husk tightness and fumonisin content, and the cross between them, EP10 x EC22, had the most favorable specific combining ability (SCA) effect for husk tightness. Inbreds EP10 and EC22 showed favorable GCA effects for fumonisin contamination and husk tightness, and the cross EP10 x EC22 was the only one with an average fumonisin level below 1 mug/g. Although this should be confirmed with more extensive studies, white maize inbreds developed from white maize landraces could be sources of resistance to fumonisin contamination.     

丛枝菌根真菌对万寿菊生长、吸镉及生理特性的影响

A pot experiment was carried out to study the effects of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), including Glomus intraradices, Glomus constrictum and Glomus mosseae, on the growth, root colonization and Cd accumulation of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) at Cd addition levels of 0, 5 and 50 mg kg-1 in soil. The physiological characteristics, such as chlorophyll content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and antioxidant enzyme activity, of Tagetes erecta L. were also investigated. The symbiotic relationship between the marigold plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was well established under Cd stress. The symbiotic relationship was reffected by the better physiobiochemical parameters of the marigold plants inoculated with the three AMF isolates where the colonization rates in the roots were between 34.3% and 88.8%. Compared with the non-inoculated marigold plants, the shoot and root biomass of the inoculated marigold plants increased by 15.2%- 47.5% and 47.8%-130.1%, respectively, and the Cd concentration and accumulation decreased. The chlorophyll and soluble sugar contents in the mycorrhizal marigold plants increased with Cd addition, indicating that AMF inoculation helped the marigold plants to grow by resisting Cd stress. The antioxidant enzymes reacted differently with the three AMF under Cd stress. For plants inoculated with G. constrictum and G. mosseae, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased with increasing Cd addition, but peroxidase (POD) activity decreased with increasing Cd addition. For plants inoculated with G. intraradices, three of the antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly decreased at high levels of Cd addition. Overall, the activities of the three antioxidant enzymes in the plants inoculated with AMF were higher than those of the plants without AMF inoculation under Cd stress. Our results support the view that antioxidant enzymes have a great influence on the biomass of plants, and AMF can improve the capability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and reduce Cd concentration in plants to alleviate Tagetes erecta L. from Cd stress.     

Exploration of genetic diversity within Cichoriumendivia and Cichorium intybus with focus on the gene pool of industrial chicory

The present study used 15 simple sequence repeat loci to characterize the genetic diversity of the germplasm that originated the current industrial chicory and to establish the relationships between and inside Cichoriumintybus L. and Cichorium endivia L. Initially we analyzed 19 cultivated C. endivia accessions, 27 wild and 155 cultivated C. intybus accessions distributed among three groups: 83 root chicories, 42 Witloof and 30 leaf chicories. The leaf chicories comprised cultivars corresponding to the Radicchio, Sugarloaf and Catalogne subgroups. The latter has not been previously included in any genetic diversity study. Subsequently, 1297 individuals from the 15 modern root chicory cultivars at the origin of the breeding of the current industrial root chicory cultivars were analyzed. Although the accessions of C. endivia and C. intybus were clearly separated from each other, seven wild C. intybus individuals were genetically closer to C. endivia than to C. intybus, revealing complex genetic interrelationships between these species. The differentiation of C. intybus into three cultivar groups (Witloof, root chicory and leaf chicory) was confirmed. The leaf chicory individuals were divided into three genetic subgroups, corresponding to the Radicchio, Sugarloaf and Catalogne cultivars, thus attesting to the validity of the classification based on morphological factors. Clear differentiation was observed among the Belgian, Polish and Austrian modern industrial root cultivars, but not among the French industrial modern root cultivars. The high phenotypic and genetic variability of the modern industrial root cultivars indicates that this germplasm constitutes a useful gene pool for cultivar improvement and selection.     

Amelioration of cadmium stress in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) by application of potassium and silicon

Gladiolus corms were grown in media contaminated with cadmium (Cd) (50 mg kg^?1) and supplemented with silicon (Si) and potassium (K). The role of Si and K for mitigation of Cd toxicity was evaluated. Cd-induced stress generated significantly increased level of oxidative stress markers including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in gladiolus. The application of K and Si improved the production of protein and proline in the treated plants. Moreover, K and Si supplemented plants exhibited an improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the level of MDA, H₂O₂ and Cd uptake under Cd stress. Application of K and Si also enhanced the uptake of mineral nutrients including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sulfur (S) and K. The plants supplemented with K and Si exhibited a higher amount of total phenolics and flavonoids. The combined effect of Si and K was more pronounced regarding beneficial effects on gladiolus plants compared to individual effect of these elements under Cd stress. The current research reveals that Si and K may improve gladiolus growth by decreasing the oxidative stress and Cd uptake and by increasing the activity of antioxidant defense enzymes, the quantity of secondary metabolites and plant nutrition.     

外源铬对小白菜(Brassica chinensis L.)根际土壤微生物生物量和磷脂脂肪酸的剖面分布特征的影响

The effects of root activity on microbial response to cadmium （Cd） loading in the rhizosphere are not well understood. A pot experiment in greenhouse was conducted to investigate the effects of low Cd loading and root activity on microbial biomass and community structure in the rhizosphere of pakchoi （Brassica chinensis L.） on silty clay loam and silt loamy soil. Cd was added into soil as Cd（NO3）2 to reach concentrations ranging from 0.00 to 7.00 mg kg-1. The microbial biomass carbon （MBC） and community structure were affected by Cd concentration, root activity, and soil type. Lower Cd loading rates （〈 1.00 mg kg-1） stimulated the growth of pakchoi and microorganisms, but higher Cd concentrations inhibited the growth of microorganisms. The content of phospholipid fatty acids （PLFAs） was sensitive to increased Cd levels. MBC was linearly correlated with the total PLFAs. The content of general PLFAs in the fungi was positively correlated with the available Cd in the soil, whereas those in the bacteria and actinomycetes were negatively correlated with the available Cd in the soil. These results indicated that fungi were more resistant to Cd stress than bacteria or actinomycetes, and the latter was the most sensitive to Cd stress. Microbial biomass was more abundant in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil. Root activity enhanced the growth of microorganisms and stabilized the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere. PLFA analysis was proven to be sensitive in detecting changes in the soil microbial community in response to Cd stress and root activity.     

Radio-labile cadmium and zinc in soils as affected by pH and source of contamination

The determination of radio‐labile metals in soil has gained renewed interest for predicting metal availability. There is little information on to what extent the fraction of labile metal is affected by the soil properties and the source of metal contamination. The radio‐labile content (E value) of Cd and Zn was measured in field‐collected soils with Cd and Zn originating from different sources. The E values were erratic and sometimes even exceeded total metal content when the concentration in the soil extract was less than 8 μg Zn l^?1 or less than 3 μg Cd l^?1. Addition of EDTA (0.1 mm ) to the radio‐labelled soil suspension resulted in larger concentrations of Cd and Zn in solution and smaller E values for these soils. The E values were, however, unaffected by the presence of EDTA (0.1 mm ) in soils with larger concentrations of Cd and Zn in solution. The %E values (E value relative to metal soluble in aqua regia) ranged from 9% to 92% (mean 61%) for Cd and from 3% to 72% (mean 33%) for Zn. No correlation between soil properties and %E was observed for Cd, and the %E of Zn was negatively correlated with soil pH (r = ?0.65). There was a strong negative correlation between pH and %E in soils enriched with metals in soluble form (e.g. metal salts, corrosion of galvanized structures). In soils where Cd or Zn were added in a less soluble form, no such correlation was found, and %E values were generally less than in soils spiked with metal salts, suggesting that the source of the contamination controls mainly the labile fractions of Cd and Zn.     

Increased zinc supply does not inhibit cadmium accumulation by rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown on cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils has caused health problems in Asian subsistence rice farmers. For other crops, normal co-contaminant zinc (Zn) inhibits the increased uptake of Cd. We used a multi-chelator-buffered nutrient solution to characterize the interaction of Zn and Cd in uptake-translocation of Cd in “Lemont” rice. The activity of free Zn²⁺ varied from 10^?7.6 to 10^?5.2 M, while free Cd²⁺ held constant at 10^?10.7 M. Zinc activity 10^?5.6 M and higher was phytotoxic to rice, resulting in severe chlorosis, reduced growth, and increased Cd transport to shoots. In contrast to previous studies with wheat, lettuce, and spinach, free Zn²⁺ maintained at adequate to sub-phytotoxic levels (10^?7.6 to 10^?6.1) did not inhibit Cd uptake by rice. The inability of Zn to inhibit Cd uptake by rice is a key factor in Cd risk from zinc-lead mine waste contaminated soil compared with other crops.     

Genetic line effects on parameters influencing cadmium concentration in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Cd uptake rates, translocation percentages, and shoot:root ratios were determined for 4 lettuce lines known to concentrate different levels of leaf Cd. Uptake rates were measured for one hr on 14‐day‐old plants exposed to Cd concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 100.00 nM. PI 278080, the high Cd line, had the highest uptake rate; PI 140398 and PI 169493, 2 low‐Cd lines, had intermediate uptake rates; and ‘Ruby’, a low‐to‐intermediate line, had the lowest overall uptake rate. Translocation percentages and shootrroot ratios were measured from one to 7 days on 15‐ to 21‐day‐old seedlings grown at 0.4 μM Cd. PI 278080 and ‘Ruby’ translocated about 40% of absorbed Cd to shoots, whereas PI 140398 and PI 169493 translocated about 30%. The shoot:root ratios of PI 278080, PI 140398 and PI 169493 ranged from 2.5 to 2.7, and these values were significantly lower than the ratio of 3.4 for ‘Ruby’.