Importance of nitric oxide in cadmium stress tolerance in crop plants

► Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal pollutant, limits the crops productivity worldwide. ► NO functions as cell signaling molecule and also involved in regulation of stress. ► Role of NO is also emerging in providing protection against Cd-induced toxicity. ► Exogenous NO addition induces decrease in Cd accumulation in plants. ► Plants possess efficient antioxidant defense systems against oxidative stress damages.