Silicon influence on maize, Zea mays L., hybrids exposed to cadmium treatment.

Thirty Zea mays L. hybrids were screened using hydroponically-grown seedlings treated in the medium with high cadmium content (100 microM Cd(NO(3))(2) x 4 H(2)O). Measurements showed conspicuous differences between the hybrids in the growth parameters in Cd treated plants. Hybrids differed greatly in Cd accumulation and translocation. Root/shoot ratio in Cd concentration ranged from 2.78 to 12.83. The majority of the heavy metal was localized in the root system. Five hybrids were chosen and the effect of silicon (5 mM) effect on high-level cadmium toxicity symptoms was investigated. Silicon decreased Cd accumulation in roots and its translocation into the shoots.