CHROMIUM ACCUMULATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L CV HD 2204) METABOLISM

摘要

Chromium accumulation and its effect at graded concentration on certain metabolic activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HD 2204) were investigated under controlled glasshouse conditions. Low concentrations of Cr(VI) supply induced interveinal chlorosis in the young leaves which turned to necrosis at later stages of growth. Chromium supply severely affected chlorophyll and Hill activity. The activity of catalase in young leaves was impaired by an increase in Cr(VI) supply from 0.05 to 1.0 mM. The concentration of protein nitrogen decreased and that of reducing sugars increased. Chromium accumulation was greater in stems followed by leaves at higher levels but at low levels of Cr(VI) supply, the accumulation was higher in the rachilla as compared to the stem. In response to chromium supply, grain yield was severely affected and even no seed formation was observed at 1.0 mM Cr(VI). In view of the above findings, it was concluded that chromium Cr(VI) is inhibitory to metabolism and a contributory factor in phytotoxicity of wheat.