Effects of mulching accumulator straw on growth and cadmium accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

Mulching with the straws of Trifolium repens, Conyza canadensis and Stellaria media increased the root, stem, leaf, shoot and whole-plant biomasses of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress compared with the control, increased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotinoid contents, and improved superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities. However, the straw of Eclipta prostrata decreased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings under Cd stress compared with the control. Mulching with the straws of Trifolium repens, Eclipta prostrate, and Stellaria media increased the Cd contents in roots, stems, leaves, and shoots of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings compared with control, while the straw of Conyza canadensis decreased the Cd content. Therefore, mulching with Conyza canadensis can promote the growth of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings, and decrease their Cd accumulation, which benefits the safe production of Cyphomandra betacea. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2016