Cadmium distribution and real-time movement in wheat using neutron imaging

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic element. Food is the main source of Cd intake and wheat highly contribute. Agronomic measures ensuring a low Cd concentration in wheat grains are needed. Varietal selection could be an important tool to reduce Cd intake. Knowing the sources of genotypic variation in Cd accumulation and the physiological processes governing Cd accumulation in crops is required for a successful breeding program. Previous results showed that Cd distribution patterns varied seedlings from different wheat genotypes. They indicate that Cd adsorption at the root surface may be a key mechanism to keep Cd out of the plant. Using neutron imaging, we aim at collecting more detailed information about the Cd distribution pattern as well as the real-time Cd movement in the living plant. This will provide valuable information to improve our mechanistic understanding of Cd uptake by wheat.