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 mM, 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.