The damage caused by Cd toxicity to photosynthesis, cellular ultrastructure, antioxidant metabolism, and gene expression in young cacao plants are mitigated by high Mn doses in soil.

Manganese (Mn) is one of the essential mineral micronutrients most demanded by cacao. Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to plants and other living beings. There are indications that Mn can interact with Cd and mitigate its toxicity.

Mitigation of Cd toxicity by Mn in young plants of cacao, evaluated by the proteomic profiles of leaves and roots.

Cd is a non-essential metal and highly toxic to plants, animals and humans, even at very low concentrations. Cd has been found in cocoa beans and in their products, as in the case of chocolate. Mn plays an important role in photosynthetic and can interact with Cd and attenuate its toxic effects on plants.