The invention is directed in part to plants modified to impede the transport of Cadmium (Cd) from the root system to aerial portions of the plants by reducing the expression and/or activity levels of HMA-related transporters. Reduced expression of NtHMA transporters in the plants results in substantially reduced content of Cadmium (Cd) in the leaf lamina. Various consumable products that are substantially free or substantially reduced in Cd content can be produced by incorporating leaves derived from tobacco plants modified to reduce the expression and/or activity of NtHMA transporters. Methods for producing the modified plants are also disclosed.
