Silicon influences cadmium translocation by altering subcellular distribution and chemical forms of cadmium in peanut roots

Effects of silicon (Si) on subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in two contrasting peanut cultivars, Qishan 208 (low seed Cd cultivar) and Haihua 1 (high seed Cd cultivar), were investigated by a hydroponics experiment at low Cd level (0.2 μM CdCl₂). Two cultivars differ in Cd translocation, subcellular distribution and chemical forms. In comparison to Qishan 208, Haihua 1 shows higher translocation factors (TFs); this may be resulted from higher Cd in the soluble fraction, and a larger proportion of inorganic Cd (extracted by 80% ethanol) and water-soluble Cd (extracted by d-H₂O) in roots. Pretreatment with Si decreased Cd in the cell wall, and enhanced Cd in the soluble fraction for both cultivars. However, effects of Si on chemical forms and TFs are cultivar dependent. Si enhances Cd translocation and the d-H₂O extractable Cd in Haihua 1. Positive correlations were observed between TF and Cd in the soluble fraction (r = 0.71, P < 0.05), and between TF and d-H₂O extractable Cd in root (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). Therefore, larger proportion of d-H₂O extractable Cd may be responsible for high TF in Si pretreated plants of Haihua 1.