Vulnerability of Sunflower Germination and Metal Translocation under Heavy Metals Contamination

Abstract

The germination and metal translocation ability of two sunflower seedlings were compared to identify the cultivar differences towards metal contamination at juvenile stage. The heavy metal treatments include: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM Ni, Cd and Pb applied in sand filled pots to Hysun-33 and FH-533 sunflower. The highest germination percentage (79%) and vigor index were recorded for Hysun-33 with no heavy metal treatment. Pb and Cd treatments reduced the growth attributes of 20 days old seedlings of both the cultivars. The Ni translocation effectively enhanced the shoot and root biomass of Hysun-33. The high concentration of 150 and 200 mM Cd and Pb drastically reduced Mn and K contents, vigor, length and biomass of two sunflower cultivars. Among three of the heavy metals, Cd was found more toxic than Pb and Ni. Roots of 20 days old seedlings of Hysun-33 were able to hold more Cd metal and stop its translocation to epigenous parts. Although 150 and 200 mM Ni effects the germination and vigor of sunflower cultivars more than 50 and 100 mM Ni, it is found less toxic in comparison to Cd and Pb. The Cd accumulation in roots suggests that it is physiologically most active sink for Cd metal while epigenous parts of sunflower cultivars are sink for Pb and Ni metal as shoot of sunflower cultivars accumulates high contents of Pb and Ni.