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Abstract

Brassica juncea is extensively studied plant famous for its hyperaccumulation capacity to various heavy metals like Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni etc. However, plants within species differ in their genetic capabilities to accumulate heavy metals. In present study 10 different genotypes of B. juncea were investigated for their potential to tolerate and accumulate Lead (Pb) which is notorious for its low mobility in soil and great hazards to living beings. Screening was done at five different levels of Pb (125, 250, 500, 700, 1000 mg Pb/Kg soil). Plants were evaluated for their growth responses, Pb concentration in root and shoot and Pb accumulation per plant. Among all the tested varieties Pusa Vijay proved to be best having lowest reduction in growth and highest Pb accumulation per plant (307.9 µg/plant) and therefore considered as a suitable candidate for phytoremediation of Pb contaminated soil.