In this work, pea (Pisum sativum) plants exposed to increasing cadmium and copper concentrations were
tested for heavy metals accumulation in flowers and for ‘in vivo’ pollen germination. Based on the Cd
and Cu accumulation amounts in the flowers, an evaluation of the same metals effects on ‘in vitro’ pollen
germination was achieved. Moreover, the effects of both metals on fruits number and weight and on
seed set and yield at individual plant level were examined. While cadmium concentrations did not affect
‘in vivo’ pollen germination, only higher copper concentrations rendered a significant reduction. This is
in contrast with the clear negative effect on pollen germination in vitro and might be explained by the
different dynamic and bioavailability of both metals. A clear effect of Cd and Cu was observed on two
important yield components ie, fruit weight and seed set. Although results obtained herein cannot give a
clear cut relationship between the effect of Ca and Cu on reproductive development and its consequences
on yields, they represent emerging results on the potential consequences of metals contamination on
reproductive development in plants.