Effect of chromium (VI) toxicity on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield, and yield components of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties

Abstract

The ever-increasing industrial activities over the decades have generated high toxic metal such as chromium (Cr) that hampers the crop productivity. This study evaluated the effect of Cr on two chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties, Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112, in hydroponic and pot-grown conditions. First, growth parameters (seed germination, seedling growth, and biomass production) and physio-biochemical parameters (oxidative stress and the content of antioxidants and proline) were measured to evaluate the performance of both varieties grown hydroponically for 21 days at concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 μM Cr in the form of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7). In both varieties, significantly deleterious effects on germination and seedling growth parameters were observed at 90 and 120 μM, while growth was stimulated at 30 μM Cr. Significant increases in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and electrolyte leakage demonstrated enhanced oxidative injury to seedlings caused by higher concentrations of Cr. Further, increasing concentrations of Cr positively correlated with increased proline content, superoxide dismutase activity, and peroxide content in leaves. There was also an increase in peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in the leaves of both varieties at lower Cr concentrations, whereas a steep decline was recorded at higher Cr concentrations. In the pot experiments conducted over two consecutive years, growth, yield, yield attributes, grain protein, and Cr uptake and accumulation were measured at different Cr concentrations. Pusa Green 112 showed a significant reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll content, grain protein, pod number, and grain yield per plant when compared with Pusa 2085. Overall, our results indicate that Pusa 2085 has a higher Cr tolerance than Pusa Green 112. Therefore, Pusa 2085 could be used to further elucidate the mechanisms of Cr tolerance in plants and in breeding programmes to produce Cr-resistant varieties.

Title: The Cumulative Dose of AMF and GB is More Effective in The Amelioration of Cr(VI) Toxicity in Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L.) Than Individually

“…Similar reports have been reported earlier also [35,36]. The Cr content was higher in roots followed by stem and leaves indicated that sorghum plants might have abundant resistance against Cr stress as reported by other researcher in chickpea [37]. Reduction in Cr content of plant samples might be due to GB and AMF, either individually or in combination maintains cell membranes integrity and protects cells from damages which in turn limits the entry of Cr in to the cell.…”

Stress amelioration response of glycine betaine and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sorghum under Cr toxicity

“…Similar reports have been reported earlier also [42,43]. The Cr content was higher in roots followed by stem and leaves indicated that sorghum plants might have abundant resistance against Cr stress as reported by another researcher in chickpea [44]. Reduction in Cr content of plant samples might be due to GB and AMF, either individually or in combination maintains cell membranes integrity and protects cells from damages which in turn limits the entry of Cr into the cell.…”

Role of Bacillus cereus in Improving the Growth and Phytoextractability of Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch in Chromium Contaminated Soil

“…In this study, the analysis of photosynthetic pigments and water status showed that Cr stress imposes a negative effect on these parameters. It may be due to the reason that Cr causes structural changes and damages the photosynthetic machinery of plants, resulting in decreased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents [ 40 ]. It was also investigated by Ahmad et al [ 41 ] that Cr stress declined chlorophyll content and gaseous exchange in cauliflower.…”