Evaluation of Cadmium (Cd) Stress on the Morpho-Biochemical and Physiological Characteristics of Natural Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L.

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of cadmium stress on the growth attributes, morphological, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of Parthenium. A pot experimental research was conducted. Through the rooting media, four cadmium treatments (0, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) were applied. Under varied concentrations of cadmium treatments, fresh and dry weight of root was decreased, while shoot fresh and dry weight was increased. Photosynthetic attributes chlorophyll a, b, and carotene contents significantly decreased under cadmium exposure compared to control. Under cadmium stress, the net CO₂ assimilation rate was shown to be lower than control. In Parthenium leaves, cadmium stress similarly reduced the transpiration rate, although the largest reduction was noted at a cadmium dosage of 100 ppm. However, cadmium-treated plants had lower sub-stomatal CO₂ concentrations than the control plants. At 100 ppm cadmium concentration a significant decrease in stomatal conductance in Parthenium was observed in comparison to the control. The information leads to the conclusion that cadmium stress has negative impact on the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of Parthenium.