Abstract
To elucidate the deleterious effects of excessive lead (Pb) on rice (Oryza sativa) cv. Swarn Mansoori, plants were grown in refined sand in complete nutrient solution for 42 days. On the 43rd day, Pb nitrate was superimposed at 1 mM (to rice) for 104 days (till harvest). A set of plants in complete nutrient solution was maintained as control for the same period. Excess Pb reduced the dry weight pronouncedly at harvest (after 104 days of metal supply) when the grain yield also decreased. Lead accumulation reduced the concentrations of chlorophyll in leaves, carotene, sugars, phenols, nonprotein nitrogen, protein, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, Hill reaction activity, and peroxidase activity (one of the anti-oxidative enzymes), but increased the concentrations of sulphur, phosphorus, magnesium (early stage) protein nitrogen, and activity of catalase, acid phosphatase, and ribonuclease in leaves of rice. Except for slight growth depression and reduction in number and size of leaves, tillers and inflorescence, no other visible symptoms of excessive Pb could be seen before harvesting.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.