Effect of arsenic-induced toxicity on morphological traits of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Lathyrus sativus L. during germination and early seedling growth.
Abstract: Effect of five different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L) of arsenic was studied on 11 different parameters of two important leguminous crops, namely Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) and Lathyrus sativus L. (grass pea) during germination and early seedling growth stage. Mean value of germination percentage, germination index and relative germination rate decreased with concomitant increase in arsenic-induced injury level in increasing concentration of arsenic in both plants and the effect was significant at 30 and 40 mg/L treatments. Fresh and dry weight of shoots, roots and their length also reduced significantly in these two treatment levels. There was significant accumulation of arsenic in tissues, and the effect was more severe on root than shoots. Based on the parameters responding to arsenic-induced stress, Arsenic Response Index (ARI) was developed for the first time in these two crops. Among the two crops, T. foenum-graecum L. exhibited better tolerance to arsenic-induced toxicity than L. sativus L. Considering mean and ARI value, 30 mg/L of arsenic was selected as toxic to L. sativus L., while the limit was 40 mg/L for T. foenum-graecum L. at the stages of germination and early seedling growth
