Phytotoxicity of Chromium on Germination, Growth and Biochemical Attributes of <i>Hibiscus esculentus</i> L.

Abstract

Chromium is found in all phases of the environment, including air, water and soil. The contamination of environment by chromium has become a major area of concern. Chromium effluent is highly toxic to plant and is harmful to their growth and development. In present study, a pot experiment was carried out to assess the phytotoxicity of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus at different concentration (0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg ·kg - 1 ) of chromium metal. The phyto toxic effect of chromium was observed on seed germination, seedling growth, seedling vigor index, chlorophyll content and tolerance indices of Hibiscus esculentus . All results when compare d with control show that chromium metal ad versely affect s the growth of Hibiscus esculentus by reducing seed germination and decreasing seedling growth. The toxic effect s of chromium metal to seed germination and young seedling are arranged in order of inhibition as: 0.5 > 2.5 > 5 > 10 > 25 > 50 > 100 mg ·kg -1 respectively. The toxicity of chromium metal to young seedling and their effect s on chlorophyll content w ere increased with higher concentration of chromium in the soil system. The major inhibitory effect of chromium in Hibiscus esculentus seedling was determined as stress tolerance index (%). The present study represents that the seed and seedling of Hibiscus esculentus has potential to counteract the deleterious effect s of chromium metal in soil.