Abstract
To assess the effect of foliar applications of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) leaf extract on three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties (Punjab-2011, Millat-2011 and Galaxy-2013) under cadmium (Cd) stress, two-week-old wheat plants were subjected to three levels of Cd (i.e. 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) stress and then foliarly applied with alfalfa leaf extract (0 and 2 % w/v). Data for 16-week-old wheat plants were collected for growth and physiochemical parameters, while yield were obtained at maturity. Cadmium stress significantly decreased growth, chlorophyll (chl.) a, flavonoids, total free amino acids, total soluble sugars and relative water contents (RWC %), while increased chl. b, relative membrane permeability (RMP %), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolics and free proline contents. Foliar treatment with alfalfa leaf extract (2%) significantly increased growth, yield, leaf ascorbic acid, free proline and total soluble sugars, while decreased RMP (%) (in Punjab-2011 and Galaxy-2013), flavonoids and H2O2 contents in all wheat varieties under cadmium stress. Wheat varieties showed significant difference as var. Punjab-2011 excelled in all measured attributes except RMP (%), MDA and activity of POD, however, negative effect of cadmium stress was more prominent in var. Punjab-2011 than Millat-2011 and Galaxy-2013.