GROWTH-RESPONSES OF BARLEY AND WHEAT SEEDLINGS TO LEAD AND CADMIUM

The responses of barley and wheat seedlings to lead and cadmium ions i n relation to the concentration and duration of treatment were studied . Both metals inhibited seed germination and growth of roots and shoot s, but the toxic effect of cadmium was observed at lower concentration s. Inhibition of seedling growth was already recorded already within a day after the beginning of the treatment, and then increased further. The sensitivity of the processes studied to both the metals decreased in the order: root growth, shoot growth and seed germination. The res istance of barley and wheat to lead was similar, whereas the resistanc e to cadmium was higher in barley.