Varietal differences for cadmium-induced seedling mortality and foliar-toxicity symptoms in mungbean (Vigna radiata)

Ghani, A. . Dept. of Botany; Wahid, A.  . Dept. of Botany

Varietal differences for cadmium-induced seedling mortality and foliar-toxicity symptoms in mungbean (Vigna radiata)

2007

Ghani, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Wahid, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany)

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic soil contaminant affecting crop growth particularly at early stages. Objective of this study was to find varietal differences in mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] for growth and seedling survival under the increased Cd-levels. With substantial varietal difference, applied Cd enhanced the seedling mortality more notably at higher levels. Leaves of all the varieties showed increased signs of chlorosis and necrosis, stunting of shoot and reducing its dry matter and leaf area per pot. Drawing parallels between various symptomatic and growth attributes revealed that Cd- sensitivity of mung bean in survival and growth of plants was closely related to enhanced chlorosis and necrosis of leaves, reduced number and area of leaves per pot. Albeit varietal differences, applied Cd not only enhanced the seedling mortality but also reduced the photosynthetic area by causing chlorosis and necrosis of leaves thus reducing th e biomass per pot. In crux, selection of mung bean based on foliar toxicity and seedling survival criteria are imperative to accomplish requisite crop stand and exploitation of marginally Cd-affected soils.

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