SEED GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH OF SAFFLOWER AS AFFECTED BY HEAVY METAL MIXTURE

摘要

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixedrncadmium, copper, nickel and zinc on seed germinationrnand early seedling growth of safflower (Carthamusrntinctorius L.) under controlled light and temperaturernconditions. Treatments included 0 (control), 60, 120, andrn180 mg kg~(-1) which made by equal amount of cadmiumrn(1/4), copper (1/4), nickel (1/4), and zinc (1/4). The heavyrnmetal mixture treatment showed toxic effects on seedrngermination and early seedling growth of safflower plant.rnIncreasing the concentration of heavy metal mixture torn180 mg kg~(-1) showed a significant decrease in seedrngermination as compared to control treatment (P<0.01).rnThe heavy metal mixture concentration of 60 mg kg~(-1)rnreduced shoot fresh and dry weight (P<0.01). Althoughrnshoot fresh and dry weight was diversely affected by thernheavy metal treatment, the heavy metal mixturernconcentration of 180 mg kg~(-1) produced lowest amount ofrnboth root fresh and dry weight. Furthermore, a negativernresponse of root and shoot length of safflower to heavyrnmetal mixture application relative to control treatmentrnwas observed at 120 mg kg-1 (P<0.01). The study suggestsrnthat cultivation of safflower in metal polluted soils shouldrnbe avoided or appropriate control measures be adopted tornmaintain the heavy metal content of the soil below therndamage threshold level.