STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF SOME HEAVY METALS ON IN VITRO POLLEN GERMINATION AND POLLEN TUBE GROWTH OF RICINUS COMMUNIS

摘要

Environment contamination with heavy metals has increased drastically, causing hazardous effects on both animals and plants. Among the plant cells, pollen is considered to be extremely sensitive to various pollutants. The present study determines theeffect of heavy metals like Cadmium, Cobalt and Lead on in vitro pollen germination and tube growth of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae). The study demonstrated that heavy metals led to a significant decrease in pollen germination as well as tube growth.There was a reduction in pollen germination and tube elongation as metal concentrations increased; in 120 uM CoCl, and Pb(N03)2 solution 3% and 5% germination along with 26 um and 39 um pollen tube length were observed respectively. The highest toxicitywas found in CdCl, solution where germination totally inhibited in 120 uM solution. Hence, the pollen germination and tube growth was adversely affected by Cd2+, Co2+and Pb24.