The effect of Cd2+ on lipid components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds.

The effect of seven levels of Cd2+ viz. 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80 ppm (micrograms/g soil) supplied as cadmium chloride, on lipid components of sunflower seeds was studied in a pot experiment. The total and neutral lipids decreased while polar lipids (phospho and glycolipids) increased with the increasing levels of Cd2+. Oleic acid and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids in the total, polar and neutral lipid fractions. Oleic acid generally increased while linoleic acid decreased in all the lipid fractions with Cd2+ levels. The neutral lipid fraction had higher levels of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acid as compared to the total and polar lipid fractions. The plant dry weight and seed yield decreased whereas cadmium concentration in seeds increased consistently with increasing Cd2+ levels.