Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
November 2015 Vol. 4(11): pp. 741-747
Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Morphological and Physiological Changes Induced By Cadmium Toxicity in Two Varieties of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Sani Ahmad, J.¹, Siti Aishah, H.¹, Che Fauziah, I.², Puteri Edaroyati M.W.¹

¹Crop Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia

² Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Corresponding Author's Email: sansat6272@yahoo.com

Accepted 04 November, 2015

Abstract

Italian 167 and Nigerian Bonbilasta (BBL) lettuce varieties were grown hydroponically in a nutrient film technique system (NFT) under the influence of cadmium concentrations of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 mg/L to study its toxicity effect on morphology and physiology of the lettuce. Significant effect was recorded in terms of plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry leaf weights and dry root weight in the varieties. Despite the level of cadmium used, variety BBL was taller and recorded higher number of leaves, leaf area; fresh and dry root weights than Italian variety 167.   Higher fresh and dry leaf weights were recorded by Italian variety 167. Highest cadmium concentration significantly reduced all morphological characteristics measured with interaction in plant height. Different concentration levels of cadmium has significant effect on all physiological characteristics of the two lettuce varieties studied; affecting variety BBL more than variety 167 with interactions in stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll.

Keywords: Cadmium toxicity, Lettuce, morphological, physiological.