African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6853

Full Length Research Paper

Response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to lead toxicity: Growth, element uptake, chlorophyll and water content

Irfan Ersin Akinci1, Sermin Akinci1, and Kadir Yilmaz2
  KSU, Agriculture Faculty, Horticulture Department, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. KSU, Agriculture Faculty, Soil Science Department, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 15 February 2010
  •  Published: 18 March 2010

Abstract

 

The effect of lead on accumulation of Pb; mineral composition in roots, shoots and leafs; growth-development; chlorophyll and water content of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Falcon) seedlings was tested under doses of 0-control, 75, 150 and 300 mgl-1 Pb. Lead accumulation was defined by elevated concentrations as 75 to 300 mgl-1 Pb in root, shoot and leaf tissues. Element uptake by roots, shoots and leafs was negatively affected by in raised lead concentrations, especially in 300 mgl-1 Pb . Root elongation and plant height; root, shoot and leaf fresh and dry biomass; leaf area were negatively affected by increasing lead concentrations. Tissue water content (TWC), growth tolerance index (GTI), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content limited by lead toxicity.

 

Key words: Lead (Pb), toxicity, growth, nutrient, chlorophyll, water status.