V. Deep, S.K. Sawhney and K. Gupta
Abstract
In recent years, because of its low mibility and long persistence, lead has emerged as one of the most problematic heavy metal pollutant.To ascertain the impact of lead on most initial stages of development of plants, lead stress of varying concentrations was given to germinating chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.cv HC-3) seeds and changes in selected growth parameters were noted. Lead had a profound inhibitory effect on percent seed germination, and Plumule: Radicle ratio. Growth of plunnule was affected to a greater extent.The fresh and dry weight of cotyledons of seeds germinated in lead were higher than respective controls; indicating suppression in utilization of major seed reserves. Also the progressive decrease in fresh and dry weights of embryonic axis in response to treatment of lead shows stunted growth.