Non-invasive imaging and characterization of absorption, transport and accumulation of cadmium in an intact rice plant

Fujimaki, Shu; Suzui, Nobuo; Ishioka, Noriko; Kawachi, Naoki; Ito, Sayuri; Chino, Mitsuo*; Nakamura, Shinichi*

The absorption, transport and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice were analyzed quantitatively using the positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS). We developed a method to produce Cd tracer and obtained serial images of Cd distribution in intact rice plants at vegetative stage and grain-filling stage using PETIS. The results suggest that xylem-to-phloem transfer is a pivotal process on the route from the soil to the grains and the nodes are the most likely organ where the transfer takes place.