Abstract: With 319 rice varieties as test objects, this paper studied the effects of cadmium on their seed germination. The results showed that after treated with 10 mg·L^-1 of Cd²⁺, seed germination rate was less affected, but root growth was restrained evidently. Cadmium had more serious impact on root than on sprout. Different rice varieties had different germination responses to Cd²⁺, with the sequence of conventional rice (Japonica rice) > hybrid rice (Indianica rice) > conventional rice (Indianica rice). The root length and number of two-line sterilities were restrained more strongly than those of three-line sterilities. Based on their responses to Cd²⁺, the test 319 varieties were clustered into 3 types, i. e. , endurant type, medium type, and sensitive type.

Key words: Soil fertility increasing ways, Yield increasing and water saving, Soil water