Effect of cadmium and nickel on ethylene biosynthesis in soybean

Abstract

Exogenously supplied cadmium and nickel considerably affected the ethylene biosynthesis in soybean cuttings. Cadmium stimulated ethylene production by increasing production of free ACC and stimulating EFE activity. Nickel inhibited ethylene production by depressing EFE activity, but stimulated the production of free ACC. Both heavy metals did not apparently affect cell membrane integrity.