Effect of Chromium(VI) Toxicity on Enzymes of Nitrogen Metabolism in Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Heavy metals are the intrinsic component of the environment with both essential and nonessential types. Their excessive levels pose a threat to plant growth and yield. Also, some heavy metals are toxic to plants even at very low concentrations. The present investigation (a pot experiment) was conducted to determine the affects of varying chromium(VI) levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil in the form of potassium dichromate) on the key enzymes of nitrogen metabolism in clusterbean. Chromium treatment adversely affect nitrogenase, nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate dehydrogenase in various plant organs at different growth stages as specific enzyme activity of these enzymes decreased with an increase in chromium(VI) levels from 0 to 2.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil and 4.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil was found to be lethal to clusterbean plants. In general, the enzyme activity increased with advancement of growth to reach maximum at flowering stage and thereafter decreased at grain filling stage

Effect of gibberellins and ascorbic acid treatment on phytic acid and micronutrients dialyzability in germinated biofortified wheat seeds

Introduction: Phytic acid chelate minerals, including Fe and Zn and render them inaccessible once ingested by human beings. The evaluation of differences in the dialyzability of macronutrients including Fe and Zn in various wheat derivatives is therefore important for the enhancement of nutritional quality of grains. Objectives: The objective of current study was to improve the micronutrient content in wheat grain. Methods: During germination (12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h), effects of gibberellins and ascorbic acid on phytic acid content as well as dialyzability of iron and zinc of wheat derivatives were determined. Results: The phytic acid content in wheat flour was determined and it was found 7.61 to 7.48 mg/g. After the treatment with gibberellins, it was significantly reduced from 8.68 to 21.6 % and 9.65 to 20.9 % with ascorbic acid. In wheat flour dialyzabilty of Fe was 4.53 to 8.97 mg/kg. After germination, Fe content was increased from 9.77 to 32.0 % with gibberellin, and 13.9 to 31.0 % with ascorbic acid. Moreover, with gibberellins, Zn content was increased from 8.68 to 21.6 % and 9.65 to 20.9 % with ascorbic acid, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggested that gibberellins as well as ascorbic acid can be exploited to improve the dialyzability of iron and zinc content due to reduced antinutrient i. e phytic acid and make the minerals available for the absorption in monogastric animals including human beings