Salinity decreases cadmium translocation in the halophyte Carpobrotus rossii

Salt has been shown to affect cadmium (Cd) translocation and accumulation in plants, but the associated mechanisms are unclear. Cheng et al. report a hydroponic experiment to examine the effects of salt type and concentration on Cd uptake, translocation and accumulation in the halophyte Carpobrotus rossii, Aizoaceae.

The accumulation of peptides and organic acids were measured, and Cd in plant tissues was analysed using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Cheng et al. find that added salt decreased shoot Cd accumulation by decreasing Cd root-to-shoot translocation due to the rapid formation of low mobility Cd-S complexes without changing the concentrations of glutathione and phytochelatins.