Physiological and biochemical activity of spring wheat (Triticum vulgare) under the conditions of stress caused by cadmium

The effect of cadmium on physiological and biochemical activity of spring wheat cv. Alba was studied within the concentrations of 0.025-5 mM. The content of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, the intensity of assimilation of CO 2 and transpiration as well as the activity of catalase, Peroxydase, superoxide dismutase in the phase of two cotyledones and in the phase of shooting in wheat were determined. The applied doses of cadmium significantly decreased the content of determined assimilation dyes, reduced the intensity of assimilation of CO2 and transpiration and caused an increase in the index of use of water in the photosynthesis in all the studied growth phases of spring wheat. A clear stimulating influence of the applied doses of cadmium on the activity of catalase, peroksydase and superoxide dismutase in spring wheat was noticed.