A comparative ionomic approach focusing on cadmium effects in sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.)

• A comparative ionomic approach is highlighted for evaluating sunflower growth under Cd stress.
• Interrelations between Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, P and Cd are demonstrated in this work.
• The presence of Cd causes imbalance in the uptake and translocation of essential elements to the plants.
• Zn-Cd relationship exhibited a synergic effect, opposite to most observation in higher plants.

This work explores a comparative ionomic approach by evaluating sunflower growth under different cultivation conditions after adding ca. 50, 350 and 700 mg of cadmium (as cadmium chloride) during the cultivation period. Treated and non-treated plants were also compared in terms of some monitored ions (63Cu+, 56Fe+, 31P16O+, 24Mg+, 55Mn+, 64Zn+) using ICP-MS. Besides necrosis, chlorosis was also detected in Cd-treated plants with the highest cadmium dose. Additionally, the uptake of cadmium produced an imbalance in copper and zinc sunflower homeostasis, as well as on other elements such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese considered essential for photosynthesis.

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