Variations in cadmium accumulation and distribution among different oilseed rape cultivars in Chengdu Plain in China.

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread toxic heavy metal trace pollutant worldwide. The ability of Cd absorption and accumulation highly varies among different species and varieties. In order to screen oilseed rape cultivars which are appropriate for cultivation and application in Cd-contaminated soils, we conducted the field trial of 32 oilseed rape varieties in Shifang County of Chengdu Plain. The various biomass, Cd accumulation, and distribution patterns were investigated via determining the Cd concentration in different plant tissues. Moreover, the food safety risks of rapeseeds were finally assessed. The results indicated diverse responses to Cd stress appeared in various tested varieties, including plant biomass, seed yield, Cd concentration, and proportion in different tissues. And most Cd were concentrated in non-edible parts. Through cluster analysis, we found that Nanchongjie, Pengzhoubai, and J-25 belong to high-biomass and high-Cd-accumulated groups in experimental cultivars, which indicated that they could possess more biomass and gather higher Cd content in overground part, so they could be great materials for phytoremediation in Cd-polluted area. Besides, combined with the risk assessment of food safety in rapeseeds, cultivars 72A and 47 with the traits of high yield, low-Cd concentration, and low food safety risk can be considered as suitable materials to widely plant as cash crop. These results provide valuable reference for practical planting and application of oilseed rape in Cd-polluted areas.