Cadmium Toxicity in Rice and Wheat Plants: An Apprehension of Translocation and Tolerance Mechanisms

The presence of cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soil is identified as a critical environmental challenge on a global scale. The contamination of soil with Cd and its subsequent accumulation in cereal grains pose substantial threats to food security and public health worldwide. The buildup of Cd in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) poses a significant risk to both farmland viability and human dietary health, drawing considerable interest from researchers. In order to effectively manage the risk posed by Cd, it is imperative that we prioritize and gain a comprehensive understanding of its environmental dynamics, uptake mechanisms, and translocation within soil-crop systems. This study covers the uptake, transport and tolerance mechanisms of Cd in rice and wheat. To draw an overall perspective, factors affecting the Cd availability in rice and wheat and the management of Cd are also discussed.