Interaction between cadmium and iron and its effects on photosynthetic capacity of primary leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris

It is well known that deficient and excess iron as well as cadmium influence on plants may lead to disturbances in the photosynthetic apparatus of higher plants. Here we present data on the effects of Cd/Fe interaction on photosynthetic capacity of primary leaves of bean seedlings (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Slowianka) grown in different Fe supply conditions (deficient, normal and excess Fe doses in nutrient solution) and in the presence of Cd at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 50 μM. The effects of Cd/Fe interaction on photosynthetic capacity measured in vitro and in vivo, and detoxificatory influence of excess Fe on Cd-treated plants are discussed. Only moderate excess Fe has detoxificatory influence whilst higher dose is toxic. The primary photochemistry is only slightly susceptible to toxic Cd or excessive Fe influence on plants and the Calvin cycle seems to be the main target of both metals' influence.