Understanding Cd uptake by cacao plants using isotope analysis

Séminaire de Rebekah E. T. Moore

In response to new EU regulations, studies are underway to mitigate accumulation of toxic cadmium (Cd) in cacao. Rebekah and co-workers are advancing such research with Cd isotope analyses of genetically diverse hydroponically grown cacao clones and yeast transformed to express cacao Cd transporter proteins. This talk will discuss how recent experimental results have improved our understanding of: (i) transfer of Cd between roots and leaves, (ii) Cd sequestration pathways in cacao compared to other plants, (iii) Cd sequestration efficiency and (iv) the role of Cd transporters in i, ii and iii. Rebekah also collaborates with Laurence Maurice and Eva Schreck (from the GET) on a project investigating Cd in field-grown cacao plants from organic farms in Ecuador. This talk will also describe recent field work and plans for future Cd isotope analyses.