Ontogenic variation in response ofBrassica campestrisL. to cadmium toxicity

Rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) cv Pusa Gold plants, exposed to different cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg kg−1 soil) in greenhouse, pot culture experiment, were analyzed with reference to distribution of metal, accumulation of biomass and the degree of growth stage Cd-sensitivity. A significant maximum decrease in plant biomass was observed at Cd-exposed flowering stage followed by pre-flowering and post-flowering stages. Activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) differentially increased; while, the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) drastically decreased in plants exposed to Cd at various growth stages. However, the concentrations of GSH and AsA decreased maximally in plant groups exposed to Cd at their flowering stage. The maximum Cd-accumulation occurred in roots followed by leaves and stem. Various Cd levels inhibited also the contents of plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) in leaves. The present endeavor hence concludes the existence of close relationships among growth parameters, Cd-sensitivity of phenological stages of the crop and the components of antioxidant system in rapeseed plants exposed at various growth stages.