Differences in Lead and Cadmium Accumulation and Translocation in Different Varieties of Zea mays
This study selected the main maize production area of Yunnan,a region high in concentrated heavy metal con-tamination,to identify maize varieties displaying low lead(Pb)and cadmium(Cd)accumulation suitable for cultivation.Eighteen maize varieties were selected for field trials to investigate the differences between their characteristics in the same heavy metal-contaminated soil.Cluster analysis was used to examine the Pb and Cd accumulation and transport coefficients according to the seed Pb and Cd content.The results show significant differences between the root biomass,yield,plant height,and Pb and Cd content of the 18 tested maize varieties.Except for Shengyu 607,which exceeded the national food safety standard,the Pb and Cd levels in the other 17 varieties all met the criteria and could be safely used on the Pb-and Cd-contaminated cropland in eastern Yunnan.Among them,Diwo 7,Yunliang 1,and Diwo 2 were suitable for cultivation in this region due to their low Pb and Cd accumulation and high yield capacity.