The effect of soil cadmium on nutrient concentrations of medicinal plant Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi

To study effect of soil cadmium on nutrient concentrations of medicinal plants Effect of soil cadmium on nutrient concentrations of medicinal plant Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (Funneliformis mosseae), greenhouse experiment was conducted in factorial design with three replications(CRD). Treatments included Arbuscular Mycorrhiza levels (Inoculated and non-inoculated) and cadmium with six levels (0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg.kg-1).The measured data showed that the effects of treatments were significant on nutrient concentration. With increasing levels of cadmium in soil, decreased, percentage of root colonization, wet weight, dry weight, iron and zinc nutrient concentrations in the root and shoot of the plant. But in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi increased, percentage of root colonization, wet weight, dry weight, iron and zinc nutrient concentrations in the root and shoot of the plant. Also mycorrhizal fungi increased cadmium concentration in root than control treatment. In fact, mycorrhizal fungus increased the concentration of cadmium in the root and prevented the transfer of cadmium to the shoot.