Enhancement of Lead Uptake by Fenugreek Using EDTA and Glomus mosseae

Abstract

The influence of Glomus mosseae supplemented with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on lead (Pb) uptake by Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was studied under pot conditions in a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial design with two AM treatments (G. mosseae inoculated and uninoculated), two EDTA concentrations (without and with 2.5 mmol EDTA kg⁻¹), and five lead concentrations (0, 50, 100, 400, and 800 mg kg⁻¹). A negative interaction was found between increasing lead concentration and G. mosseae. The plant dry matter and chlorophyll content was enhanced by G. mosseae whereas G. mosseae with EDTA showed the greatest root and shoot phosphorus (P) content. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid significantly enhanced lead concentration in the plant; however, at the same time it resulted in a slight decrease in the dry matter. However, when EDTA was applied along with G. mosseae, the deleterious effect of EDTA was overcome by the G. mosseae by promoting mineral uptake and plant growth, and hence metal accumulation also increased.

Keywords:

• AM fungi
• heavy metal
• lead phytoextraction
• P uptake
• Trigonella foenum-graecum

Acknowledgments

Anju Tanwar gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. The authors thank Hardeep Joshi, Department of Psychology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, for giving valuable suggestions regarding statistical analysis.