Effect of Cadmium and Lead Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jatropha curcas L.

Heavy metal pollution in the biosphere has become a worldwide problem. Metal industry effluents, mining sites, municipal and agricultural waste are important sources of dispersion environment. imposed phytotoxicity affects seed germination, seedling growth, photosynthesis other physiological processes. Exposure seeds to cadmium (Cd) lead (Pb) deleterious effects resulting into inhibition delayed germination time retardation growth due toxicity. The aim this research is investigate toxic Cd Pb on Jatropha curcas L. evaluate its tolerance for heavy stress. experimental treatments included exposure five concentrations nitrate acetate (ranging from 25 125 µM/L), under which parameters were determined periodically. J. was affected by supplemented at different toxicity found be concentration dependent. Tolerance indices declined sharply with increasing treatments. Germination inhibited upto 50% 100 μmol/L Cd, Pb. Mean vigour index also gradually decreased increase concentration. Cadmium proved more than all considerations.