Extracts of xylotrophic fungi reduce toxic effects of cadmium ions in barley

The influence of cadmium ions and water-ethanol extracts of four wood-destroying fungi species, separately and together, on the early stages of barley plants development was studied. It was shown that 200 and 500 µM Cd2+ caused a significant inhibition of barley seedlings growth but was not lethal. In this case, cadmium ions insignificantly affect the length of the shoot, but inhibit the growth of the root. For chaga extract, it was shown that 1 and 2 mg/mL doses does not cause significant changes in the development of seedlings, but high concentrations inhibit germination. The addition of fungi extracts with concentration 1 mg/mL to 250 µM Cd2+ reduced its negative effect. The best results were shown for extracts of chaga and ganoderma. Extracts of wood-destroying fungi could be recommended for use to reduce the toxicity of cadmium ions.