Effect of cadmium on autoxidation rate of tissue and inducing accumulationof free proline in seedlings of mung bean

Solution cultures were conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the growth of mung bean (Phaseolus aures Roxb. cv VC-3762), au toxidation rate of tissue and accumulation of proline. Results showed that leaf proline concentrations increased significantly in response to increasi ng Cd concentrations from 0 to 20 mu mol L-1 Cd in the solution. Compared t o the control, Cd treatments increased lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde concentration) and autoxidation rate of leaves and roots. In all treatments , leaves of mung bean had greater proline concentration and had lower the a utoxidation rate of tissue than the roots. There was a close positive relat ionship between accumulation of free proline and the rate of tissue autoxid ation.