Effect of cadmium on seed germination and earlier basil ( Ocimum Basilicum L. and Ocimum Basilicum Var. Purpurescens ) seedling growth

Abstract

As one of the consequences of heavy metal pollution in soil, water and air, plants are contaminated by heavy metals. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the response of two basil species (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum basilicum var. Purpurescens) to treatment with cadmium (heavy metal) in the roots and leaves of young plants. This experiment was conducted on the basis of a completely randomized design (CRD) in greenhouse condition with four doses (0, 5, 10, 20 mg/lit) of cadmium heavy metal. The results indicated that germination of seeds was inhibited by cadmium as compared to control. In addition number of leaves, plant height, plant height above cotyledon leaves and root length were clearly shortened when the concentration of cadmium exceeded. Generally, it was shown that Cd is more toxic for Ocimum basilicum var. Purpurescens than Ocimum basilicum L.

Keywords

• aBasil
• Cadmium
• Germination