Proteomic profiles and leaf antioxidative metabolism in cacao juvenile plants subjected to Pb and Pb+Fe doses and to soil flooding

•Doses of Pb and Pb+Fe did not interfere with the predawn leaf water potential (ΨWL) of plants.•There was a differential accumulation of Pb and Fe in the roots and leaves.•Most of Fe and Pb uptake by the root system predominantly accumulated in the roots and only a small fraction was translocated to the shoot.•Leaf enzymatic antioxidant metabolism was altered, mainly by flooding, in relation to Pb and Pb+Fe doses applied in soil.•Flooding and doses of Pb affected proteins related to photosynthesis, DNA, antioxidative system and carbohydrate metabolism.