Cadmium effects on plant reproductive organs: Physiological, productive, evolutionary and ecological aspects

Abstract

Studies involving the effects of long‐term exposure of plants to cadmium (Cd) are not usual, hence, data about Cd‐induced impacts on plant reproductive organs are scarce. The lack of robust information about this matter is surprising and also worrying because it is not yet clear whether (and how strong) Cd influences yield, and quality of fruits and seeds. Such information is necessary to guide strategies to manage crops and to avoid negative impacts on the environment and human health. This review gathers information about the effects of long exposure of flowers, fruits and seeds to Cd. A critical analysis of the data related to this matter, which have been published in the last 30 years, was performed. Ecological and evolutionary aspects were also discussed, and new insights were provided. The information about Cd‐induced effects on fruit and seed quality is relevant to support not only further scientific studies, but also environmental, economic and health policies in times of increasing heavy metal pollution in agricultural areas.

Zinc allocation to and within Arabidopsis halleri seeds: Different strategies of metal homeostasis in accessions under divergent selection pressure

“…Thus, Zn is needed in metabolically active differentiating cells that will form root and shoot tissues in the developing seedling. High metal(loid) concentrations in seeds are also critically important for the protection of germinating seeds and developing seedlings against infection by soil‐borne and seed‐borne pathogens, especially under environmentally stressful conditions (Carvalho et al., 2020 ; Carvalho et al., 2020 ; Ozturk et al., 2006 ).…”

Cadmium toxicity in medicinal plants: An overview of the tolerance strategies, biotechnological and omics approaches to alleviate metal stress

“…In the study conducted on Andrographis paniculata , Cd suppressed the reproductive growth by decreasing the number in the inflorescence branch, flower, and flower buds, and also suppressed the fresh weight of the inflorescence and flower bud ( Patel, 2006a ). Cadmium affects the production and allocation of amino acids and sugars, absorption, assimilation, and distribution of nutrients in plants ( Carvalho et al., 2021 ). The fruit number and the fruit biomass has reported to be reduced in Adhatoda vasica L. grown in Cd treated soil when compared to control.…”

There is plenty of room at the plant science: A review of nanoparticles applied to plant cultures

“…The results indicated that at low concentration, a positive effect was observed, while higher concentration was toxic to both species (Molnár et al, 2020), which also confirms the hormetic effect by NPs (Carvalho, Castro, & Azevedo, 2020). In a similar manner, it must be borne in mind that degrees of plant tolerance to toxic metals may also be associated with differential changes in essential macroelement and microelement, which can modulate physiological and developmental events (Carvalho, Gaziola, Carvalho, & Azevedo, 2020). When evaluated under higher concentrations, B. juncea showed higher tolerance to Zn‐NPs.…”