Characterization of the Differential Tolerance of Two <i>Triticum durum</i> Cultivars to Short-Term Cadmium-Induced Stress.

ABSTRACT: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that impairs plant growth and induces oxidative stress. In this study, we compared the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of two durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) cultivars, Razek and Chili, to Cd stress. Seedlings were exposed to 0, 5, and 50 µM Cd (Cd²⁺; supplied as CdCl₂) under controlled hydroponic and Petri assay conditions. Cd reduced radicle elongation, biomass accumulation, and water uptake in both cultivars, but the relative inhibition of growth was lower in Razek than in Chili, indicating a better capacity to maintain growth under Cd stress. This was accompanied by milder oxidative stress symptoms and more stable antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly for catalase (CAT) and ascorb

SUBMITTER: Hamzaoui MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899852 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature