Abstract

ALUMINUM (AL+3) INDUCED GROWTH INHIBITION IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L)

P. Saritha* and Dr. S. Vasantha Pillay

Abstract

The aim of the study was to see the effect of Aluminum (Al) toxicity on the growth of Maize plants. Plants were treated with different concentrations of Aluminum (1.5mM, 3.5mM, 5.5mM, 7.5mM, and 9.5mM) for over a period of 15 days and 30 days. In the present study the effect of Al on root growth, shoot growth, leaf growth, fresh weight, dry weight of total plants, Relative Growth Index(RGI), % phytotoxicity and Chlorophyll content in Maize plants were studied. Growth of Maize was adversely affected in terms of root, shoot, leaf growth, fresh weight and dry weight of total plants at 7.5mM and 9.5mM concentrations of Al. Reduction of growth was noted in both 15th and 30th day old plants. In contrast % phytotoxicity increased. Root growth was more affected than the shoot growth by the Al toxicity. Chlorophyll content was gradually reduced with Al treatments in both 15 and 30 day old plants. Maximum reduction of Chlorophyll content was noted at 9.5mM Al exposure.

Keywords: Fresh weight, dry weight, Relative Growth Index (RGI), % phytotoxicity and Chlorophyll content.