Effects of Cadmium Stress on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics and Agronomic Traits of Three Upland Cotton Cultivars

Objective] To improve knowledge of the remediation of cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil, and provide a theoretical and practical basis for breeding of cotton cultivars. Method] Three cotton cultivars, namely 'C184', 'Xiangzamian15 (XZM 15)', and 'Xiang419', were used as materials for the study. We compared and analyzed the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, under treatment with different Cd concentrations. In addition, the Cd content of various plant organs and agronomic traits were assessed at all cotton growth stages. Result] Antioxidant enzyme activity was inhibited by Cd treatment, especially that of POD. With increasing Cd concentration, the growth of cotton plants was restrained. The maximum inhibition on antioxidant enzyme activity and agronomic traits was attained at 5 mg·L^－1 Cd stress. However, CAT activity was maintained under Cd stress. Conclusion] XZM 15 showed superior tolerance and accumulation capability for Cd than the other cotton cultivars studied.