Vitellogenin polypeptide levels in one susceptible and one cadmium-resistant strain of Oncopeltus fasciatus (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), and its role in cadmium resistance

The heavy metal Cd has recently been shown to have endocrine disrupting activity in different vertebrate species. In the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus, Cd exposure delays ovarian maturation and inhibits vitellogenesis, probably through a reduction in vitellogenin (Vg) polypeptide synthesis. An O. fasciatus strain was selected in the laboratory for Cd resistance with gradually increasing Cd concentrations for 50 generations. Cd-selected (OCdR) insects were 2.7-2.3 times more resistant to chronic exposure to Cd than susceptible (OS) insects. OCdR females showed increased (up to 90%) Vg polypeptide levels in hemolymph. Vg polypeptide synthesis was equally decreased in OCdR and OS females after acute Cd exposure, indicating that resistance in the OCdR strain was not due to a reduced sensitivity of the target of Cd. Vg polypeptide concentrations and ovarian maturation in acutely exposed OCdR females, however, were equal to those of control OS females. OCdR females chronically exposed to Cd showed a 30% decrease in Vg polypeptide concentrations, relative to control OS females. It is concluded that increased Vg polypeptide levels play an important role in resistance to the toxic effects of Cd on reproduction in the OCdR strain, and that this novel Cd resistance mechanism has the potential to evolve in vertebrate species in which Cd inhibits Vg synthesis by disruption of the endocrine system.     

Vitellogenesis inhibition in Oncopeltus fasciatus females (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) exposed to cadmium

Newly moulted females of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus were exposed to cadmium (Cd) dissolved in the drinking water (50-400 mg l(-1) Cd) for 5 days. Cd exposure delayed ovarian maturation and inhibited egg production. Exposure to Cd, moreover, decreased hemolymph levels of the two major vitellogenin polypeptides of O. fasciatus, VG1 and VG2, in a concentration-dependent way, probably by a reduction in their synthesis. The ovarian levels of VG1 and VG2 were also decreased in Cd-exposed females. It was next investigated whether Cd effects might be a consequence of the endocrine disruption of vitellogenin synthesis, which is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH). JH replacement therapy did not restore VG1 or VG2 levels in Cd-exposed females, but did so in starved females. Our results do not therefore support a disturbance of JH production or a reduction in feeding as the cause of the reduced vitellogenin polypeptide levels, but rather point to the site of action of JH, the JH receptor, as the target of Cd effects.     

Potential use of antibiotic to improve performance of laboratory-reared Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The antibiotic streptomycin added to the drinking water at a concentration of 125 mg/ l during nymphal development of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)accelerated the development in ca. 2 days, increased survivorship, and doubled adult longevity; nymph survivorship and adult body weight were not affected when compared to control insects. Streptomycin has potential in rearing N. viridula, especially in improving quality of field-collected adults, by mitigating the introduction of pathogenic bacteria, and improving the quality of the population.     

Accumulation of cadmium and its effects on growth, development and hemolymph biochemical compositions in Boettcherisca peregrina larvae （Diptera： Sarcophagidae）

Newly emerged larvae of the fleshfly, Boettcherisca peregrina were exposed to two different CdCl2 concentrations of 100μg/g and 400 mg/g diet fresh weight （DFW）. They were administered in the diets until the end of larval stage. Cd-exposed larvae accumulated significant amounts of Cd and this accumulation increased with the exposure dose and time. The body weights were lightened and lengths of larvae were shortened considerably after Cd exposure, especially at the higher Cd concentration. The total larval duration was also extremely affected due to Cd exposure. The average duration was prolonged significantly by 14 h at the lower Cd concentration, while it was increased by 33.7 h over controls at the higher Cd concentration. A significant decrease in contents of either soluble proteins, total lipids or caloric values in the hemolymph occurred due to Cd exposure throughout the entire tested period but after 120 h of Cd exposure. In contrast, when exposed to Cd with its higher concentration, total sugar contents in the hemolymph were increased strikingly over the whole tested time, except after 96 h of Cd exposure, while they were not apparently altered except after 24 h of Cd exposure at the lower concentration. Thus, it is suggested that Cd exposure shows significant adverse impact on the growth and development, as well as metabolism, in larvae of this fleshfly, depending on its exposure time and dose.     

An investigation of the possible presence of an aggregation pheromone in the milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus and Lygaeus kalmii

ABSTRACT. The presence of an aggregation pheromone was studied in two species of milkweed bugs. The nymphs, young adults and old adults of Oncopeltus fasciatus were tested for their aggregation in response to acetone extracts of themselves and each other. The O. fasciatus nymphs were also tested for their response to odour from live O. fasciatus nymphs, as well as to Lygaeus kalmii nymphal extract, and the response of L. kalmii nymphs towards O. fasciatus nymph extract was tested. It was found that there is an aggregation pheromone in the nymphs and young adults and that there may be an alarm pheromone in the old adult O. fasciatus. A preliminary chemical analysis performed on the aggregation pheromone revealed it probably to be a polar non-aromatic compound of high molecular weight.     

Quantitative food utilization and reproductive allocation by adult milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus

ABSTRACT. Age-specific and lifetime dry mass budgets were estimated for mated and virgin adult milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas) Hemiptera: Lygaeidae), fed air-dried milkweed seeds ( Asclepias syriacd ) in the laboratory at LD 14:10 and 23°C. Relative consumption rate (RCR) of all bugs was high during the first 8 days posteclosion (teneral period) as their fresh weight, dry weight, and fat content increased. Thereafter, the physiological syndrome associated with reproduction in mated females was indicated by their higher RCR, earlier and greater rate of egg production, greater lifetime relative metabolic rate and higher net and gross production efficiencies than virgin females and males. Males tended to live longer than virgin and mated females, which had similar lifespans. Mated females weighing less at eclosion remained lighter in weight on the day of mean peak weight, but food consumption, egg production and lifespan were independent of body-weight over a 25% range. Input of nymphal reserves or male reproductive secretions to egg production is probably minor in comparison with the adult female's food budget. The high proportion of the food budget allocated to egg production by mated females of O.fasciatus is consistent with its migratory, colonizing lifestyle.     

Postembryonic development and food consumption of Dichroplus elongatus Giglio-Tos and Dichroplus maculipennis (Blanchard) (Orhtoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae) under laboratory conditions

Dichroplus maculipennis (Blanchard) and D. elongatus Giglio-Tos are two of the most important melanoplines in Argentina, both ecologically and economically. The postembryonic development and forage loss (consumption of Bromus brevis Ness + fallen material) caused by older nymphs (instars IV, V, VI) and adults of both species were studied under controlled conditions (30oC, 14L:10D, 40% RH). Five nymphal instars were recorded in D. elongatus, and six in D. maculipennis. Total nymphal development was similar in both species (D. elongatus: 32 ± 0.70 days; D. maculipennis: 34.5 ± 0.37 days). Daily consumption increased from nymphal instars to pre-reproductive adult stage. In both species, pre-reproductive females had higher consumption rates than other stages considered (D. elongatus: 30.6 ± 0.56 mg dry weight/day; D. maculipennis: 48.7 ± 0.74 mg dry weight/day). In the reproductive stage, consumption decreased significantly in both sexes. When feeding, D. maculipennis let some plant material to drop, increasing total loss. The percentage of fallen material was greater in reproductive adults, representing 3.9% and 2.9% of the total daily loss for males and females, respectively. Females and males of D. maculipennis were heavier than those of D. elongatus (P < 0.05), and daily consumption was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Regardless sex and reproductive status, adults of D. maculipennis consumed 29.1 ± 0.64 mg dry weight/day on average, while one of D. elongatus 20.0 ± 0.3 mg dry weight/ day.     

Effect of exposure of pregnant rats to cadmium on prenatal and postnatal development of the young

Cadmium chloride in doses of 2, 12 and 40 mg Cd/kg was administered per os to pregnant rats from the 7th to 16th day of pregnancy. In another experiment female rats were exposed to cadmium oxide at a concentration of 0.02 mg Cd/m3 or 0.16 mg Cd/m3 for 5 hours a day and 5 days weekly for a period of 5 months or 1 mg Cd/m3 for 4 months. The exposure was then continued during mating and from the 1st to 20th day of pregnancy. A decrease in fertility was only observed in females exposed by inhalation to cadmium oxide at a concentration of 1 mg Cd/m3, at which concentration cadmium exhibits a considerable toxic effect on the whole organism. The young of females orally treated with CdCl2 in a dose of 40 mg Cd/kg displayed congenital defects in the form of sirenomelia or amelia, as well as raised cadmium levels in tissues. A retardation of intrauterine development manifested by lower body weight and slowed down osteogenesis was observed in the other groups. A cadmium concentration increase was not found in the tissues of the young in these groups. Inhalation exposure to 0.16 mg Cd/m3 of females prior to and during pregnancy induced in their young a decrease in viability, lower body weight gain, prolongation of latency in the negative-geotaxis test, lower locomotor activity and deteriorated development of the conditioned-reflex response. The offspring of females exposed to 0.02 mg Cd/m3 displayed lowered locomotor activity and worsened consolidation of the conditioned-reflex response.     

Inheritance of weight in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the laboratory

A selection of the 10% lightest and 10% heaviest males and females of a population of individually weighed Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann adults was made in two experiments. The offspring of homologous pairs were followed until the next adult stage (light x light, control x control and heavy x heavy). The engorged nymphal weights, unfed adult weights, engorged female weights of the parents, egg mass weights, egg weights, larval scutal lengths, engorged larval weights, unfed nymphal weights, engorged nymphal weights and adult weights of the progeny were determined. No significant differences could be demonstrated between the two lines for egg weight, larval scutal length, engorged larval weight and unfed nymphal weight. Significant differences were found between the egg masses, engorged nymphal weights and adult weights of the two lines. The heritability coefficients of body weight determined from adult to adult were 0.14 and 0.10, respectively, during the first and second experiments. Considering females and males separately, the coefficients were 0.10 and 0.18 during the frist experiment and 0.12 and 0.09 during the repeat experiment respectively.     

重金属 Ni2+ 对亚洲玉米螟生长发育和生殖行为的影响

【目的】探索农田重金属Ni²⁺污染对植食性昆虫潜在的影响。【方法】在人工饲料中添加不同浓度（1, 5, 10, 15和20 mg/kg）的重金属Ni²⁺,以不添加重金属的人工饲料为对照,实验室条件下饲养亚洲玉米螟 Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée)初孵幼虫,系统观察其各项生长发育和生殖行为指标参数。【结果】Ni ²⁺对亚洲玉米螟幼虫期、蛹期、化蛹率和羽化率有抑制作用;对亚洲玉米螟雌蛹重有促进作用,但随Ni²⁺浓度的升高而逐渐减弱;低浓度Ni²⁺（1~10 mg/kg）对雄蛹重有促进作用,高浓度Ni²⁺（15~20 mg/kg）对雄蛹重有抑制作用。随着Ni²⁺浓度的增加,亚洲玉米螟雌蛾平均求偶持续时间逐渐减小;1 mg/kg Ni²⁺浓度下雌蛾求偶率及求偶高峰期出现的时间与对照组基本一致,其余4个Ni²⁺浓度都对雌蛾求偶行为产生影响且表现为求偶高峰期出现的时间提前,最高求偶率均小于100%。5 mg/kg Ni²⁺对亚洲玉米螟雄蛾定向行为有促进作用,其余浓度则表现为抑制作用。Ni²⁺对亚洲玉米螟雌蛾的产卵量和卵孵化率均产生了显著的抑制作用。【结论】重金属Ni²⁺对亚洲玉米螟的生长发育和生殖行为产生了影响。     

Effects of a juvenile hormone analog, pyriproxyfen, on the apterous form of Lipaphis erysimi

Effects of a juvenile hormone analog, pyriproxyfen, on various developmental stadia of the apterous form of the turnip aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach), were bioassayed at three concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg [AI]/l) in the laboratory. Supernumerary-molted nymphs with 1-3 extra molts were found when the first three nymphal instars were treated, and all these nymphs died prematurely. In contrast, all treated fourth instar nymphs molted normally to adults. The longevity of all pyriproxyfen-treated L. erysimi nymphs and adults and the fecundity of treated adults were reduced by 50%. Higher concentrations of pyriproxyfen (100 and 150 mg [AI]/l) caused sterility in adults from treated fourth instars; whereas the lowest concentration (50 mg [AI]/l) did not cause any adult sterility. A majority of adults from treated fourth instars and treated adults produced normal nymphs, and some adults produced dead nymphs with normal appendages or dead and deformed nymphs without any appendages. Normal nymphs produced by the adults from treated adults or treated at fourth instars developed more slowly from first instar to adult than the water-treated nymphs, and all adults in the new generation apparently reproduced normally. The potential role of pyriproxyfen in a vegetable aphid IPM program was discussed.     

Influence of parental and developmental cadmium exposure on endocrine and reproductive function in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous element and an important anthropogenic metal contaminant. A series of assays were modified or developed for Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), and used to compare the effects of Cd exposure on indicators of endocrine function in adult animals previously exposed in ovo or as hatchlings. Adults were raised either from eggs produced during a 2 week exposure to 0-10 microg/l Cd or from fry exposed for 2 weeks beginning 2 days after hatching. The reproductive capacity of the resulting adults was determined during a 2 week period during which half of the animals were re-exposed to Cd. Two week Cd exposure did not result in reproductive impairment despite producing some changes in circulating steroid concentration. In addition, 1 microg/l cadmium exposure in ovo elevated male hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) relative to controls. Hence, steroid parameters were a better biomarker of cadmium exposure than changes in VTG. However, reproductive impairment was not correlated to change in VTG or plasma steroids.     

Cadmium removal by living cells of the marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica

Cadmium removal by living cells of the marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica was tested in cultures exposed to different cadmium concentrations (0.6, 3, 6, 15, 30 and 45 mg/l). The EC50 for growth was 7.9 mg Cd/l after six days of exposure. The cadmium removed was proportional to the concentration of this metal in the medium and it was dependent on the time of exposure; cultures with higher cadmium concentration removed a higher amount of this metal. In cultures exposed to 0.6 mg/l, T suecica cells removed 98.1% of added cadmium with 0.392 x 10(-6) microg Cd/cell, whereas in cultures with 45 mg/l only 7.7% was removed with 16.052 x 10(-6) microg Cd/cell. The highest amount of cadmium removed per liter of culture was observed in cultures exposed to 6 mg/l, with 3.577 mg/l of cadmium. After six days of incubation, the higher proportion of cadmium was bioaccumulated intracellularly in all cultures except in 45 mg/l cultures, the percentage of intracellular cadmium being always more than 50%. The highest percentage of bioadsorbed cadmium (60.1%) was found in cells of cultures with the highest cadmium concentration (45 mg/l). Furthermore, a relation between intracellular cadmium and the concentration of sulfhydryl groups was observed.     

Effects of octylphenol and 17beta-estradiol on the gonads of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) exposed as adults via the water or as embryos via the mother

Endocrine disrupting alkylphenolic compounds have been found in the aquatic environment, and concern has arisen over the ability of these compounds to affect the reproductive system of fish. In this study, the effects of exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of octylphenol or 17beta-estradiol on the gonad structure of fish were examined. Viviparous guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were exposed as adults via the water or as embryos via the mother to 26 microg/l octylphenol or 0.85 microg/l 17beta-estradiol (mean measured water concentrations). Histological examinations revealed effects of the exposures on the gonads of the fish exposed as adults. Indications of blocked spermatogonial mitosis were seen in the testis structure of adult males after exposure to octylphenol or 17beta-estradiol. The post-parturition ovaries of adult females exposed to 17beta-estradiol showed effects suggesting an inhibited yolk deposition. At the tested concentrations, exposure to octylphenol or 17beta-estradiol via the mother fish did not significantly affect the weight, length, gonopodium index or sex distribution of the offspring. However, histology revealed effects on the liver structure, suggesting some effect of maternal exposure to octylphenol or 17beta-estradiol. These findings indicate that although octylphenol and 17beta-estradiol affect the gonad structure of adult male and female guppies, these substances have no significant effects on the sexual differentiation of the embryos at the tested concentrations.     

外源茉莉酸诱导枸杞对枸杞蚜生长发育和繁殖的影响

为了明确外源茉莉酸对枸杞的诱导抗性及其对害虫的影响,在室内25℃条件下用3种浓度的茉莉酸喷施枸杞苗木,以喷施丙酮+蒸馏水（配比1∶599）作为对照,测定了枸杞蚜在处理后苗木上的生长发育和繁殖情况。结果表明：外源茉莉酸诱导枸杞苗木后,枸杞蚜若虫发育历期延长,成虫寿命缩短、产仔量下降,枸杞蚜体重减轻,其影响程度与茉莉酸浓度有关。0.01 mmol/L茉莉酸诱导枸杞蚜若虫期最长,为4.93 d,比对照延长1.9 d。茉莉酸诱导成虫产仔量显著减少,且浓度越高产仔量越少,0.1 mmol/L浓度下产仔量为25头,比对照少19头。3种浓度的茉莉酸诱导均使枸杞蚜成虫寿命较对照缩短3 d左右。茉莉酸诱导对枸杞蚜体重的影响从3日龄后逐渐显现,5日龄时最显著,处理组与对照组蚜虫体重相差0.128～0.184 mg,对照组蚜虫平均重0.395 mg,0.01 mmol/L处理组蚜虫重量仅0.211 mg。     

Translocation of cadmium and mercury into the fruiting bodies ofAgrocybe aegerita in a model system using agar platelets as substrate

Summary Growth of Tetrahymena pyriformis (Gl) was studied in axenic culture in the presence of cadmium. The maximum growth rate is not affected by concentrations of cadmium below 1.5 mg/l (1.3×10^–5 M). The concentration reducing the growth rate to 50% of its initial value is 2.6 mg/l (2.3×10^–5 M) and the lethal dose is 5 mg/l (4.5×10^–5 M).The mean cell volume, mean cell dry weight, mean cell protein content, yield and respiration rate were compared at 0, 0.2 and 2.0 mg/l Cd. No significant differences were detected for these parameters between control and treated groups.     

Toxicity of Selected Insecticides to the Spined Soldier Bug, Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Susceptibility of Podisus maculiventris to the insect growth regulator teflubenzuron, the carbamate methomyl, the pyrethroid deltamethrin, and the bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Bactospeine) was evaluated in the laboratory. Newly-moulted fourth instars and seven-day-old female adults were exposed to formulated materials of each compound via ingestion for 48 h. Teflubenzuron was highly toxic to fourth instars (LC 50 = 14.7 mg a.i. l -1 ) of the predator, but proved to be harmless to female adults. Both fourth instars and females suffered the highest mortality when they were exposed to methomyl (LC 50 = 5.4 and 10.6 mg a.i. l -1 , respectively). Deltamethrin was relatively safe for the predator in either stage; however, fourth instars were more tolerant to the pyrethroid than females (LC 50 = 158.8 and 43.4 mg a.i. l -1 , respectively). Neither fourth instars nor females were affected by B. thuringiensis at 10 000 mg formulated material l -1 . Reproductive capacity of the predator was also examined when applying field concentrations of teflubenzuron (200 mg a.i. l -1 ) or deltamethrin (12.5 mg a.i. l -1 ) via ingestion. Treatment with deltamethrin only prolonged preoviposition period. A marked decline in egg hatch was observed when the insects were exposed to teflubenzuron compared with the control (7 vs 63%, respectively). Fourth and fifth instars that had ingested sublethal doses of teflubenzuron demonstrated longer developmental times than did those of the control. Ingestion experiments suggest that use of deltamethrin and B. thuringiensis may be compatible with releases of P. maculiventris . In contrast, populations of the predator may be harmed when methomyl or teflubenzuron are applied.     

Laboratory Effects of Ingestion of Azadirachtin by Two Pests ( Ceratitis capitata and Spodoptera exigua ) and Three Natural Enemies ( Chrysoperla carnea , Opius concolor and Podisus maculiventris )

The effects of azadirachtin on two pests: neonate larvae and newly emerged adults of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and last instar larvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner); and three natural enemies: newly emerged adults of Opius concolor Szepligeti, second instar larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), and fifth instar nymphs of Podisus maculiventris (Say) were studied in laboratory. Adult insects were exposed to a non-oil formulation of azadirachtin (Align, emulsifiable concentrate, 3.2% azadirachtin, Sipcam Inagra, Spain) via their drinking water and immature instars were reared in the presence of the insecticide-treated diet. The natural enemies were exposed to at least the maximum field recommended concentration of the insecticide (0.15% v/v). Azadirachtin was highly toxic to neonate larvae of C. capitata and prevented adult emergence at a concentration of 1 mg a.i. l -1 . When adults were fed the insecticide at the maximum recommended concentration, their survival was not affected but egg laying was totally inhibited. Last instar S. exigua larvae were also very susceptible (LC 50 = 7.7 mg a.i. l -1 ) and at a concentration of 10 mg a.i. l -1 fecundity of surviving adults, and egg fertility, were reduced by 72 and 85%, respectively. Effects on O. concolor were large, and significant reductions in longevity, percentage of attacked hosts, and progeny size per female, were recorded. The predator P. maculiventris was much less sensitive to azadirachtin, but slight reductions in survival of emerged adults and of reproductive parameters occurred. The insecticide had no significant effect on C. carnea larvae fed with treated Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver) eggs, probably because of its inability to penetrate inside the egg.     

Sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) under laboratory conditions

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most important pests in tropical and subtropical agriculture and is a key pest in greenhouse production worldwide. Current management of B. tabaci relies upon frequent applications of insecticides. Insecticide use not only directly affects pest populations through acute toxicity but also has indirect (sublethal) effects on pest physiology or behavior. In this study, we described sublethal effects of imidacloprid on adult feeding, immature development, adult fecundity, and F1 development of B. tabaci. Honeydew excretion of adults feeding on leaves treated with LC20 and LC40 concentration was significantly lower than that on untreated leaf discs. Egg production of B. tabaci adults subject to LC20 and LC40 concentrations also was less than untreated individuals. Upon transfer to untreated leaves, honeydew excretion and egg production recovered well within 24 and 48 h, respectively. Exposure to LC20 and LC40 concentrations significantly affected developmental time of B. tabaci eggs and nymphs, whereas it did not affect adult molting rate. We did not find sublethal effects on longevity and fecundity of B. tabaci adults when exposed to LC90 and LC40 concentrations for 24 h, and on egg hatching rate, nymphal mortality, and molting rate of the subsequent F1 generation. Exposure to imidacloprid at LC40 concentration significantly decreased the number of females in the F1 generation. Imidacloprid negatively affects development and reproduction of exposed individuals, and sex ratio of subsequent (F1) generation of B. tabaci, which probably disrupts B. tabaci population dynamics, slows population increase, and reduces infestation levels. Therefore, it is necessary to consider potential impact from imidacloprid for integrated management of the pest.     

Influence of cadmium and nickel on growth,net photosynthesis and carbohydrate distribution in rice plants

Six day old rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. Bahía) were grown for 5 or 10 days in a nutrient solution with either Cd (0.01, 0.1 mmol/l) or Ni (0.1, 0.5 mmol/l). Both Cd and Ni reduced the length of shoots and roots depending on the concentration and type of ion tested. On the other hand, the dry weight to fresh weight ratio was increased by heavy metal treatments, especially in the aerial part of 0.5 mmol/l Ni treated plants. The application of 0.1 mmol/l Cd and 0.5 mmol/l Ni to the seedlings produced an inhibition of the transport of carbohydrate reserves from the seeds from which plants were developing, to the rest of the plant. Net photosynthesis was also inhibited in treated plants. However, the total carbohydrate content in the shoots of these plants was higher than in controls. Thus, the starch, soluble sugars and sucrose content in the shoots of 0.5 mmol/l Ni treated plants was respectively up to 2.6, 2.8 and 4 times greater compared to controls. The distribution of assimilates between organs was also affected by the treatment: the carbohydrate content increased in the stem and second leaf but it was not affected or decreased in the root and third leaf. Although less evident, the effect of Cd on carbohydrate distribution and content was similar to that of Ni. The possible mechanisms involved in the abnormal carbohydrate accumulation and distribution are discussed.Abbreviations 0 DT plants at day zero of treatment - 5 DT five days treated plants - 10 DT ten days treated plants - DW dry weight - FW fresh weight