Authors : Shun Gao, Lan-Ju Mei and Liang-Hua Chen
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate effect of nickel chloride, zinc chloride and lead acetate on the germination response of Adzuki beans using pot experiments. Seeds were subjected separately to five levels (0, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 μM) of the metal salts. The sprout length decreased concomitantly with increasing lead, nickel and zinc up to 1000 μM compared to the control but it showed a slight increase at 100 μM of zinc concentrations. The sprout fresh weight decreased significantly with increasing lead, nickel and zinc concentration and the order of decreased values are lead, nickel and zinc. The germination index produced significant decreases by different lead, nickel and zinc concentrations compared to control except for 100 μM of zinc and nickel concentrations. Lead, nickel and zinc treatments at 1000 μM exhibited lowest value of vigor index but vigor index showed a slight increase by 6% compared to the control. The results of germination vigor showed significantly inhibition by tested metal concentrations except for 100 μM of zinc and nickel concentrations. The present findings suggested that the germination responses of Adzuki beans are relative to the changes of metal concentrations and types.
Shun Gao, Lan-Ju Mei and Liang-Hua Chen, 2012. Effects of Heavy Metals on Seed Germination of Adzuki Bean Seed. Research Journal of Agronomy, 6: 32-37.