Abstract

Investigations were carried to study the influence of 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mM of cadmium (Cd++), cobalt (Co++), and copper (Cu++) ions in an aqueous solution (as chloride salts) on germination, root elongation, hypocotyl growth, mobilization efficiency, tolerance index and vigour index of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) variety K-851 seeds and seedlings. The extent of inhibition of germination was found to depend on, metal concentration, metal type and incubation period. In comparison to control, there was a complete inhibition of root and hypocotyl growth in germinating mung bean seeds at Co and Cu concentration ≥ 6.0 mM. The order of these metals on inhibition of germination, root elongation and hypocotyl growth was Cu > Cd > Co. The phytotoxic effects of tested metal ions were also evident in case of mobilization efficiency, tolerance index and vigour index. All the tested metal concentration could be efficiently tolerated by V. radiata seedlings. Variation in these physiological parameters has role in combating the metal chlorides mediated stress, and could be used for measuring the phytotoxicity and degree of tolerance of the test system.

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