Effect of cadmium on growth and the activity of H2O2 scavenging enzymes in Colocassia esculentum

Cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal that can be harmful even at low concentrations to plants. Colocassia esculentum (Araceae) plant was studied to know its tolerance capability to cadmium. Colocassia esculentum plants grown in pots containing different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were analyzed for dry matter, fresh weight and total metal content. Cadmium depressed dry matter production of the plant up to 33%. Plant accumulated larger portion of the heavy metal in the roots followed by stem and leaf. Chlorophyll content of the plant declined on treatment with heavy metal while the activity of antioxidative enzymes catalase and peroxidase increased. Colocassia esculentum also showed an increase in total protein along with greater A₂₅₀/A₂₈₀ value suggesting an increase in metal protein complexes. Cadmium elicited anatomical changes in the root of C. esculentum. These changes under heavy metal stress indicate the adaptive properties of this plant species.