Cadmium accumulation and distribution in plants of three durum wheat cultivars under different agricultural environments in Chile

Abstract

The increasing use of soils for agricultural purposes can expose some species that are important in the human diet, such as durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. Var durum), to absorb cadmium (Cd) in soils with high concentrations of this metal, with subsequent risk in the human health. The development of genotypes with low Cd accumulation, as well as the study of field conditions of different cultivar combinations, Cd soil concentrations, and environments, can contribute in generating foods with low Cd accumulation. Field experiments were conducted in different agricultural zones in Chile (La Serena, Los Tilos, Chillán, and Temuco) with three durum wheat cultivars in soils where three increasing Cd rates were applied. Results indicated that applying Cd to the soil did not affect yield or biomass production in the plant. Cadmium accumulation in grains, straw, and roots was significantly affected by increasing Cd rates. Cadmium distribution in the plant was lower in the grains and straw and higher in the roots. Cadmium apparent recovery was lower than 0.8%, and it was not affected by the rate of soil Cd. All the evaluated parameters were influenced by the study location, and only some showed differences among cultivars. Of the three evaluated cultivars, only ‘Lleuque-INIA’ exhibited a Cd concentration that was lower than internationally characterized genotypes described as low Cd accumulators.