Toxicity of Heavy Metals on Germination and Seedling Growth of Salicornia brachiata

Abstract

Seed is a developmental stage that is highly protective against external stresses in the plant life cycle. In this study, we analyzed toxicity of heavy metals (Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺and As³⁺) on seed germination and seedling growth in a halophyte Salicornia brachiata. Germination percentage for Ni²⁺ is lower than Cd²⁺and As³⁺ metal at 200 µM concentration. Shoot length and root length decreased significantly upto 400 µM and 100 µM of Ni²⁺ and As³⁺ respectively While in case of Cd²⁺ seedlings could survive up to 300 µM concentration with a minor reduction in growth. Salicornia brachiata can serve as substantially important plant species for phytoremediation of heavy metals at lower concentrations in saline areas.