An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cadmium (Cd) on growth, photosynthesis,
mineral nutrition and Cd accumulation of an energy crop, king grass (Pennisetum
purpureum K. Schumach P. thyphoideum Rich). Leaf shape was more sensitive to Cd than
biomass and root length. Leaves had no visual toxic symptoms under 8e100 mg kg1 Cd.
High Cd pollution significantly increased the chlorophyll content of young leaves but
showed no effect on mature leaves. Cd enhanced the maximum net photosynthetic rate
(Amax), light compensation point (LCP) and light saturation point (LSP).