Effect of Arsenic on Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Arsenic (As), a ubiquitous metalloid and potential carcinogen. Arsenic sensitivity and toxicity to plants are influenced by not only the concentration and the toxicant types, but also by the life-stage or biological process (germination, seedling survival, vegetative growth). The morphological changes in germinating rice seedlings were investigated under arsenic stress. The objective of the study was to evaluate the germination performance and initial growth habits of rice genotype HUR-105 in response to the different As concentration in the growing solution. Therefore, the effects of As (0, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 μM) on germination percentage, α-amylase activity, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, leaf number, leaf area and their percentage reduction were determined. A noticeable decrease in germination percentage, shoot, and root elongation as well as plant biomass was observed with arsenic treatments, as compared to control. From the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that rice genotype HUR-105 is sensitive to As stress.

Jyotsna Setty*1 and Vijai Pandurangam2 Click here to download file

Research Article | Published online : 19-Oct-2023