Cadmium (Cd) is not considered a fundamental element for plants inducing general growth disturbances and inhibition in many species of plants. The purpose of our research was to examine the ethylene (C2H4) and ammonia (NH3), emissions in alfalfa sprouts with or without Cd, using infrared laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (IR LPAS), in order to suggest new markers that may add a better knowledge of Cd effect. The responses of alfalfa sprouts to C2H4 and NH3 may fluctuate, depending on tissue sensitivity and the phase of plant development. From the determinations of this study, the C2H4 was established to be inhibited, while NH3 was established to be in a higher concentration with the amount of Cd added to the alfalfa seeds for growth when the values were correlated to the control and BIOalfalfa sprouts (Sonnentor).
Keywords: IR LPAS; alfalfa sprouts; ammonia; ethylene plant hormone.