Chromium toxicity on seed germination, root elongation and coleoptile growth of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)

Abstract

A lab experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chromium (Cr) on seed germination, root elongation and coleoptile growth in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). The seed of the pigeon pea was treated with five concentrations of Cr (0, 20, 40, 80 and 100 ppm). The results indicated that the per cent germination of test crop was decreased after application of 20 ppm Cr concentration. The effect on root elongation and shoot growth was more pronounced which gradully decreased with increasing levels of chromium application from 20 to 100 ppm. With the time, root elongation and coleoptile growth was decreased during crop growth. The root elongation of the pigeon pea was more sensitive than coleoptile growth for Cr toxicity.