In this study, we determined the effects of Cd2+ (from 10(-5) to 10(-3) M) on the growth of leaves and roots of garlic seedlings in Hoagland's nutrient solution. We also characterized the influences of Cd2+ on a few key cellular activities, e.g., antioxidant enzymes, content of malondialdehyde (NIDA), composition of photosynthetic pigments and fluorescence properties of chlorophyll on day 5, 10 and 15. The results indicated that the presence of 10(-3) M Cd2+, but not other tested Cd2+ concentrations, significantly decreased the development of leaves and roots of the seedlings. This level of Cd2+ increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of MDA. With the exception of carotenoid on day 5, the presence of 10(-3) M Cd2+ showed no significant effects on the contents of photosynthetic pigments. Intermediate concentrations of Cd2+ caused variable effects, ranging from lowering to increasing the pigments in garlic seedlings. The presence of 10-3 M Cd2+, but not other tested concentrations, decreased efficiency of energy harvesting associated with photosystem II as measured by the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence of intact leaves. However, Cd2+ generated no definitive trends on photochemical quenching. Possible significance of experimental findings in relation to Cd2+ level in garlic seedling is discussed. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.