EFFECTS OF CADMIUM-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS ON GROWTH AND NITROGEN ASSIMILATION IN BLACKGRAM [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation, oxidative damage, and nitrogen metabolism were studied in roots and leaves of 30-d-old blackgram plants [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], grown in a mixture of soil and compost (3:1) with different Cd concentrations. Significant reductions in both root and shoot dry weight were noted. The concentration of Cd in roots and leaves increased with increasing Cd levels. The level of lipid peroxidation elevated with a consequent increase in H2O2 content under Cd stress in both plant organs. The activity of enzymes mediating the nitrogen assimilation in roots and leaves was greatly reduced in the presence of Cd, except glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) which showed a significant increase.