Efficacy of a multi-dentate Schiff base and its vanadyl complex on various morphological and biochemical parameters of Vigna radiata L.

Abstract

A N₂O₂ donor Schiff base polydentate ligand was synthesized by the condensation of benzidine and benzil in ethanolic medium. The formed ligand was condensed further with VOSO₄.xH₂O to get the corresponding vanadyl complex. Both the ligand and the complex were characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) was selected as a plant material. Various morphological and biochemical parameters, e.g. leaf senescence assay, chlorophyll content, and different reactive oxygen species (ROS) were estimated and were compared to those with ammonium vanadate. Outcomes of the experiments revealed that the Schiff base complex has less toxic effects than ammonium vanadate on mung bean seedlings and provide better tolerance to vanadium toxicity. Though different stress marker and ROS accumulation were less and minimum pigment damage was noticed in the Schiff base complex-treated seedlings but the optimum positive impact largely depends on the dose. Beyond certain concentration, the complex may show inhibitory effects on the plants. Therefore, the present study revealed that heavy metal Schiff base complexes can be used as potential supplement to meet up micronutrient deficiency and at the same time such complexes can minimize the toxicity generated by application of different heavy metals.

Keywords:

• Electrolyte leakage
• heavy metal stress
• mung bean
• plant growth
• vanadyl complex

Additional information

Funding

The authors are grateful to the Departmental Special Assistance Scheme under the University Grants Commission, New Delhi (SAP-DRS-III, No. 540/12/DRS/2013) for financial support.