Published Paper Details:

The present study was carried out to test the phytotoxic effect of mercury on germination of seed and seedling growth of pigeon pea. The seeds of pigeon pea were treated with different concentrations (10, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) of mercuric nitrate (Hg (NO3)2) solution. The germination percentages were calculated after two days (48 hrs.) and growth parameters like root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight were calculated after seven days. In the present study it was observed that mercury at low concentrations (< 100 ppm) was found to show no significant effect on seed germination. However increasing concentrations of mercury (>100) decreases germination percentages significantly. It was observed that seed germination was completely inhibited at Hg concentrations above 250 ppm. Root length, shoot length and dry weight were found to be decreased with increasing concentrations of Hg (NO3)2. The inhibitory effect of mercury on shoot and root of seedling was more pronounced at 200 ppm.