Cadmium and it’s effect on growth parameters in four varieties of sugarcane

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is dangerous for living beings. Its high toxicity inhibits growth. This research, evaluated the effects of cadmium on four varieties of sugarcane grown in the lower basin of the Guayas River: Ragnar, Cenicaña, ECU-01 and ECU-02; particularly the effects on growth parameters. Cuttings were selected from each variety to classify them in quadruplicate. They were exposed for 300 days to a contaminated substrate with cadmium in five different concentrations: 0, 0,5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg Cd. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the tolerance index and percentage of growth inhibition. The growth of the Cenicaña variety was reduced by 12,98% and the least inhibition was showed in Ragnar variation (-3,88%), showing growth stimulation at 8 mg/kg of Cd. According to tolerance index, the most tolerant varieties were Ragnar and ECU02. The latter are suggested for soils that contain more than 4 mg/kg of Cd. It is recommended to carry out cadmium analysis in agricultural soil before planting sugar cane to guarantee food safety in Ecuador.