Genotypic differences of cadmium tolerance among spring-sowing soybean varieties in South China

【Objective】The tolerant varieties are necessary because the areas of agricultural soil contaminated with Cd is increasing. The objective of the present study was to explore the Cd tolerance amonge spring-sowing soybean varieties in South China. 【Method】A pot experiment was carried out in the greenhouse to explore the Cd tolerance of 11 soybean varieties in South China. 【Result and conclusion】The biomass and yield of all soybeans varieties decreased significantly at 10.0 mg·kg^-1 Cd compared with that of the control. Based on relative biomass and relative dry seed mass, Guichun 8 and Huachun 1 were tolerant varieties, while Guizao 1, Fudou 234, Bendi 2 and Huachun 2 were sensitive varieties. The results indicated that there are significant differences in Cd tolerance among spring sowing soybean varieties in South China.