Phytotoxic Effects of Cadmium on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of (Brassica juncea L.Czern Coss) cv.

摘要

Cadmium (Cd~(2)+) is extremely toxic heavy metal which adversely affects the growth and yield of plants. Therefore, study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various Cd~(2)+ concentrations (0.5mM, 1 mM, 1.5 mM and 2mM) on seed germination and seedling growth of twenty Brassica juncea Cultivars. Various parameters tested in present study includes root and shoot length, seedling size, fresh and dry matter, seed germination percentage, tolerance indices and percent phytotoxicity. Results indicate that the significant inhibitory effect was observed at all the four concentrations of Cd~(2)+ as compared to control. As the Cd~(2)+ concentration increases, all the tested parameters except Tolerance Indices decrease. Present study also reveals that Cultivar RB-50 may show better performance under Cd+~(2)stresses while Cultivar RH-0406 might have poor performance. From these results it can concluded that Cultivar RB-50 might germinate well on Cd~(2)+ contaminated soils, however more studies are needed to signify its effects on growth and yield of Brassica juncea.