Effects, on growth and uptake distribution, of root and foliar treatments of marrow plants with cadmium and lead solutions

Abstract

In this study the effects of root and foliar treatments of marrow plants with cadmium and lead solutions on the growth of the various parts of plant (roots, stem, leaves and fruits) have been studied. Growth inhibition of the various parts of treated plants has been compared with each other and for the two types of treatment. The toxicity of cadmium on the growth of plant has been compared with the toxicity of lead on the various parts of plants treated by root or by foliar‐treatment with metal ions.

Cadmium and lead uptake by plants and the distribution of this uptake between the various parts of treated plants have been determined and commented on.

Percentages of cadmium or lead taken by plant from the total amount of cadmium or lead added during treatment have been calculated and found to be very small. This percentage has been found to be higher in foliar‐treated plants and from dilute solutions than in root‐treated plants and from more concentrated cadmium or lead solutions.

Key words:

• Marrow plants
• Growth
• Cadmium
• Lead
• Uptake
• Distribution
• Root‐treatment
• Foliar‐treatment
• Toxicity