Effects of chromium, cadmium, lead and zinc on germination, seedling growth and phenol contents of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
2010
Shaukat, S.S. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Inst. of Environmental Studies) | Khan, M.A. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Inst. of Environmental Studies) | Omm-e-Hany (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Inst. of Environmental Studies) | Aziz, S. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Umair, S. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Inst. of Environmental Studies) | Khan, A.A. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Inst. of Environmental Studies) | Ahsanuddin, M. (Karachi Univ. (Pakistan). Dept. of Economics)
The effect of four heavy metals, including chromium, cadmium, lead and zinc were examined on germination, early seedling growth and soluble phenol content of cowpea Vigna unguiculata. The final seed germination percentage was significantly reduced by most of the heavy metals at 50ppm and 100ppm. Germination was suppressed by the metals in the order Cd greater than Cr greater than Pb greater than Zn. Both root and shoot growth of the seedlings were reduced by all the heavy metals tested. TL 50 values for Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn were 53.07, 55.86, 70.75 and 81.24, respectively. As a stress response, the soluble phenol content was remarkably elevated by the heavy metals at concentrations of 50ppm and 100ppm. Phenol accumulation due to heavy metals stress occurred in the order Cd greater than Cr greater than Pb greater than Zn. The mechanisms whereby heavy metals cause toxicity to plants are discussed.
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