Effects of chromium on seed germination, root elongation and coleoptile growth in six pulses

The ecotoxicological effects of Cr²⁺ on germination and early seedling growth of six pulses were investigated. Seeds of these plants were exposed to seven different concentrations of Cr (0–3.2 mM). The results indicated that root elongation and coleoptile growth of six pulse plants were more sensitive than seed germination for measurement of the toxic of Cr²⁺ pollutions. Different species show different levels of tolerance to Cr²⁺ pollution. Lablab purpureus and Glycine max are the most sensitive to Cr²⁺, their germination percentage, root and coleoptile length were significantly lower than other tested species, by contrast, Lathyrus odoratus and Dumasia villosa are the most resist species, their germination and seedling growth almost were not influenced by Cr²⁺ pollution significantly comparing the control. There were significantly negatively correlations between seedling growth and increasing concentration of Cr²⁺ for Glycine max, Vigna radiate and Lablab purpureus. The significantly negative correlations between germination and increasing concentration of Cr²⁺ were shown for Glycine max, Vigna radiate and V angularis.