EFFECTS OF COKE ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF VIGNA RADIATA (L.) R. WILCZEK, VIGNA MUNGO (L.) HEPPER AND VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.

Abstract

Coke production is one of the important sources of pollution from steel industries. The effects of coke (sludge of iron and steel) on seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. were recorded. The seed germination percentage of V. radiata was increased with increase in coke concentration treatment at 25-50% as compared to control treatment in petri dish. Seedling length and root growth performance of V. radiata was also slightly increased with the increase in coke concentration treatment at 75 and 100% as compared to control. The seed germination percentage and root length of V. mungo was reduced with increase in coke concentration treatment at 25%. The obtained results showed more positive effects of coke on seed germination and seedling growth performance of V. unguiculata than V. mungo and V. radiata. Meanwhile, experiment showed decrease in seedling vigor index of V. radiata and V. mungo with the increase in concentration of coke at 100% as compared to control. A gradual increase in seedling vigor index for V. unguiculata with the increase in coke concentration was observed. The coke extracts treatment influence on the seedling tolerance indices of V. radiata, V. mungo and V. unguiculata. The better tolerance to coke treatment in all bean crops might be mainly due to some resistance potential ability of seedlings to coke concentration.

Keywords

• bean crop
• coke
• ecotoxicity
• seedling vigor index
• tolerance.