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Biochemical response of Glycine max (L.) Merr. to zinc stress
SIDDHI GUPTA and MK MEENA
Abstract:
A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4 7H2O) in soil on selected biochemical parameters in soybean (Glycine max (L.).
Observations were recorded at pre-flowering (30 days), peak flowering (45 days), and post-flowering (60 days) stages, with the experiment replicated three times. The highest levels of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein content were observed at zinc @500 mg/kg of soil at pre-, peak- and post-flowering stages, respectively. However, with increase in the rate of application of zinc resulted in significant reductions in these parameters across all growth stages compared to the control. Proline considered as a strong indicator of environmental stress showed a gradual increase with increase in metal concentration in soil as compared to the control. The findings indicate that lower zinc levels (@250 and @500 mg/kg of soil) led to significant enhancements in plant biochemical parameters, with peak values observed at 500 mg/kg. However, caution is advised to prevent zinc concentrations exceeding 750 mg/kg of soil to mitigate potential phytotoxicity or nutrient imbalances, particularly in soybean cultivation areas. These results underscore the importance of implementing prompt measures to address zinc pollution and ensure optimal productivity of food crops.
Keywords: Heavy metal, Zinc, Chlorophyll, Carbohydrate, Lipid, Protein, Proline
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