Zinc and cadmium effects on growth and ion distribution in Populus tremula × Populus alba

Abstract : The effects of cadmium and zinc on growth and mineral distribution in Populus tremula × P. alba genotype 717-1B4 were investigated. Exposure to 360 mg(Cd) kg−1(soil) resulted in accumulation of Cd in all organs and inhibition of primary and secondary growth as well as of the net photosynthetic rate. No growth inhibition occurred under zinc exposure. Cd was mainly stored in the woody parts of stem, whereas zinc was preferentially localized in the leaves. Cd treatment also altered distribution of Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Fe2+ in different organs.