Abstract

In this study, effects of heavy metals which are lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), alone, and their interactions with abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA₃) hormones on soluble proteins, soluble phenolics and the amount of free proline have been investigated with respect to time (5th and 10th) days in wheat seedlings. At seedlings on which heavy metals and heavy metals + hormones applied, the amount of free proline and soluble phenolics have increased. Amount of soluble protein has increased at the seedlings on which Pb and Cd applied but has decreased at the 10th day samples of the seedlings on which Zn, Zn + GA_3, Cd + ABA and Cd + GA₃ were applied. Among the parameters worked with, Cd has shown the most toxic effects and lead and zinc followed.

Key words: Wheat, heavy metal stress, proline, soluble protein, soluble phenolics.