Triacontanol can protect Erythrina variegata from cadmium toxicity

The simultaneous effect of 0, 10, 100 and 1000 mu mol/L Cd2+ [Cd(NO3)(2) x 4H(2)O] and 1 mg kg(-1) (H2O) triacontanol [TRIA] spray on certain paramete rs of growth, pigments, starch, (CO2)-C-14 fixation, ribulose-1,5-bisphosph ate carboxylase (Rubisco), nitrate reductase (NR) and photosynthesis in Ery thrina variegata seedlings was studied. With increasing Cd2+ concentration in the nutrient solution the monitored activities decreased. When the seedl ings were subsequently sprayed with triacontanol the cadmium effect was par tially or completely reversed indicating that TRIA can protect from cadmium toxicity.