Two Cd-resistant bacterial growth strains M A -9 (Aeromonas) and MA19 (affinities uncertain), which were isolatedfrom ICI effluents, were used to inoculate seeds o/'Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower). Both inoculated and non-inoculated seeds were germinated and grown under different concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 3 mM) o f CdCl2 fo r 10 days. Under Cd-stress conditions, bacteria-inoculated plants had better germination and growth than non-inoculated treatments. Bacterial growth enhancement o f seedlings was associated with reduced Cd uptake