Effect of some heavy metals on germination and early seedling growth of Atriplex halimus subsp. Schweinfurthii

Abstract

Seed is a developmental stage that is highly protective against external stresses in the plant life cycle. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) on germination and early seedling growth of Atriplex halimus subsp. Schweinfurthii. Different concentrations (50-4000 μM) of each heavy metal were analyzed. Results show that seed germination was not influenced by Zn or Cu. Whereas Cd reduced significantly seed germination at 1500 μM. Seedling growth was more sensitive to heavy metals in comparison to seed germination and was reduced significantly with increasing metal concentration. Among heavy metals, Cd showed more toxicity to seed germination and seedling growth followed by Cu than Zn. Root was the most sensitive parameter and may be used as indicators of heavy metal pollution.