Effect of Selenium and Cadmium in Chlorophylls and Carotenoid Content of Cucumis melo L.

Abstract

In greenhouse, seeds of Cucumis melo L. class melon hybrid F1 ananas germinated in pots. The seeds treated with different concentrations of Cd (0.0, 0.01, & 0.05M, as CdCl2), & a unique concentration of Se (0.05 M, as Na2SeO3) and as a combinations with Cd, in addition to control treatment was with Se only. There were none significant decreasing in chlorophylls a, b & total chlorophyll by 0.05 M of Cd comparing with control (distilled H2O), whereas carotenoid decreased significantly. Generally, treatment with Se enhanced the chlorophyll content, where chlorophyll content increased significantly in contrast with control (dH2O). Se + Cd as a combination treatments, especially at Cd with concentration 0.05 M was more enhancing for increasing the chlorophylls a, b, total chlorophyll & carotenoid content at comparing with almost treatments, especially with seeds that treated by Cd at 0.01 & 0.05M. These results indicate the presence antagonistic effect between Se and Cd in chlorophyll contents.