PJB-2020-264
LEAD STRESS IN AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS: AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON ELECTROLYTE LEAKAGES, LEAF WATER CONTENT AND ROOT DEVELOPMENT
David Oyinade Aderoju
Abstract
Lead is widespread soil contaminants that induce toxicity and stress to the plant physiological growth and membrane permeability. Melatonin intercepts numerous plant cellular actions as an antioxidant and anti-stressor. Thus, the study emphasized the roles of melatonin on physiological features and yield of Amaranthus cruentus under Lead stress. Sterilized seeds of Amaranthus cruentus were primed in different concentrations of melatonin (0, 200 and 400µM) for 24hours. Primed seeds were planted in plastic pots filled with 3 kg sterilized topsoil. The pots were arranged in a complete randomized design in three replicates. Plants were exposed once a week with different concentration of Lead (0, 10 and 20 Mm) for 11 weeks. In vitro experiment was carried out for seven days to determine germination percentage and plumule length. The high concentration of melatonin (400µM) significantly increased germination of Amaranthus cruentus by 67-80%; promote root proliferation by 55%, increased leaf water content along the Lead concentration gradient. It also reduced electrolytes leakages by 42% and increased high seed weight (4.18 g) under Lead stress. However, 400µM showed no variation on the shoot growth (number of leaves and plant height). Whereas, germination and shoot elongation were better stimulated at the lower concentration of melatonin (200mM) without Lead stress.
To Cite this article:
Download
