The Effect of Cadmium on Development of Anther and Pollen Grains and Protein Pattern in Petunia hybrida Juss

Cadmium is one of the air pollutants and a part of diesel exhaust particles. The aim of this study was determination of the effects of cadmium on developmental process and protein pattern of anther and pollen grains in Petunia hybridia that is a common decorative plant in landscapes and parks. Petunia plants were grown in experimental pots and treated with the different concentrations of CdCl2 as spray. Flowers and young buds were collected, fixed in FAA70 (formalin: acetic acid: ethanol with a ratio of 2: 1: 17) and subjected to developmental studies. Pollen grains of different groups were also collected and their proteins were studied using electrophoresis method. Statistical analysis was done using statistical software SAS (version 9.1) and one-way ANOVA analysis. The developmental process of anther and pollen grains in control plants were followed from the pattern of dicotyledonous plants, but some changes and abnormalities were observed in Cd-treated plants. Irregularity in anther wall, formation of wrinkled and vacuolated pollen grains, decreasing of pollen viability, damaged exine and formation of new protein bands are the effect of Cd treatment. Cadmium, as an atmospheric pollutant, influences developmental stages of anther and pollen grains. It causes to form different abnormalities and reduction of pollen viability. Formation of new proteins, detoxifying proteins, is a response to pollution stress.