The Dynamics and correlation of Cd and Zn Accumulation in Leaves and Fruit Parts of Almond (Prunus amygdalis) Cultivar Ferragnes

Abstract

The dynamics of Cd and Zn accumulation in leaves and fruit parts (the kernel, the shell and the hull) of almond cv. Ferragnes was studied during vegetation in environmental conditions of Ravni kotari (inland coastal Croatia). A mild decrease in the concentration of Cd was observed during vegetation in leaves and fruits (hull), while this decrease was more pronounced in the shell and the kernels. Strong positive correlation was established between Cd accumulation in the kernels and the hull (r2013 = 0.884; r2014 =0.967), and intermediate correlation was found between Cd accumulation in the kernels and the hull. There was virtually no correlation between Cd accumulation in various parts of the fruit and leaves, which indicates an independent manner of Cd uptake in fruits and leaves. In the phenol phase of intensive growth of almond fruit the Zn concentration was the highest in the kernels (73 ± 1.9 mg kg-1 d. wt.), followed by a rapid decrease, while continual increase was observed in the leaves, the hull and the shell. Furthermore, low negative correlation was established between the Cd and Zn concentrations in the kernels compared to the leaf, the hull and the shell. In contrast to the kernel, there is a positive correlation between the leaves and the hull (r2013 = 0.736; r2014 =0.811), and between the shell and the hull. Poor negative correlations were established between Cd and Zn concentrations in the leaves, the hull and the shell pointing to an independent manner of uptake of these two elements. A significant strong correlation between Cd and Zn concentrations (r2013 = 0.465; r2014 = 0.933) was established only in the kernels, due to a probable re-translocation of Zn to other parts of the fruit, and a cessation of Cd accumulation.