Effects of Different Heavy Metal Applications on Plant Growth and Physiology of Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)

Abstract

This study investigated the plant growth of cadmium (Cd) (0, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1) and lead (Pb) (0, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg kg-1) applications in one-year grass (Lolium multiflorum) under greenhouse conditions. and to determine the effects on some physiological properties. Parameters such as seedling height, plant root fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, chlorophyll, leaf area, electrical conductivity and DOSI were negatively affected by heavy metal stress. Seed emergence could not be achieved at increasing doses of Cd (150,200 mg kg-1). While an increase was observed in lead in seedling height and weight compared to the control group, a decrease was observed in cadmium applications. It was observed that the chlorophyll and leaf area decreased with the increase in the concentration of the metals. This study showed that cadmium heavy metal causes more stress in annual grass than lead.