Abstract
The effect of aluminium and cadmium on growth and physiological parameters in 60 days old basil seedlings (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown in polluted soil were investigated. Control plants, grown in unpolluted soil, were used for evaluation of the heavy metal effect. Growth parameters were analysed immediately after sample collection, leaf area and plant height were recorded. Analysis of secondary metabolite, proline, total carbohydrates content and antioxidant capacity in 60 days old seedlings was performed. The antioxidant activity of basil extracts was determined by the DPPH method, and results showed an increase of antioxidative capacity in basil seedlings exposed to heavy metal stress due to the activation of antioxidative system in plant cells. Maximum production of secondary metabolites was recorded for seedlings exposed to 100 mg/kg soil Cd and Al. Results showed that cadmium stress increased concentration of proline, while aluminium did not had that effect. The content of total carbohydrates remained almost unchanged, with exception of basil seedlings grown on soil containing 50mg/kg AlCl3.
Highlights
Tolerance of plants depends on their ability to survive and reproduce under different environmental stresses (Redondo-Gomez, 2013)
It is established that aluminium interferes with cell division in root tips and lateral roots, decreases root respiration, reduces accumulation of polysaccharides in the cell wall, lessens the production and transport of cytokinins as well as the water uptake, and interferes with the uptake, metabolism and transport of several crucial nutrients (Mossor-Pietraszewska, 2001)
Seeds of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) were used, which were planted in the soil
Summary
Tolerance of plants depends on their ability to survive and reproduce under different environmental stresses (Redondo-Gomez, 2013). It is established that aluminium interferes with cell division in root tips and lateral roots, decreases root respiration, reduces accumulation of polysaccharides in the cell wall, lessens the production and transport of cytokinins as well as the water uptake, and interferes with the uptake, metabolism and transport of several crucial nutrients (Mossor-Pietraszewska, 2001). Pollutants such as heavy metals are mainly introduced into the food chain through the root system of plants (Yadav, 2010). Oxidative stress can lead to inhibition of photosynthesis and respiration (Sharma and Chakraverty, 2013) and production of huge number of secondary metabolites (Wink, 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
