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A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of various concentrations of cerium provided as cerium nitrate (0.713, 3.568, 17.841, 89.206 and 446.030 µM) on the growth performance, dry matter production, biochemical constituents and enzymatic activity of cowpea plants [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Low concentrations of cerium were observed to be beneficial for the test plants. A positive correlation was observed between a lower level of cerium (0.713-17.841 µM) and foliar chlorophyll content, relative yield (dry matter) and nitrate reductase activity. Higher levels of cerium (89.206-446.030 µM) significantly increased the proline content and polyphenol oxidase activity of the test plants. Root growth was more adversely affected than shoot growth.

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The effect of various concentrations (3, 9, 27, 81, and 243 mg/kg) of tungsten (W) on growth performance, biochemical constituents and tungsten and molybdenum (Mo) contents in wheat was observed. Lower doses (up to 9 mg/kg) of tungsten showed promotory effects whereas higher doses retarded. An increment in growth, biomass, chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents was observed. Tungsten contents in root and shoot showed a very strong linear dependence on the soil applied W contents. Mo contents in plant tissue showed an increase with an increase in the W contents in plant tissue up to a threshold after which it showed an abrupt decrease. The activity of peroxidase enzyme decreased with lower application of W. Higher administration of tungsten (27-243 mg/kg) resulted in increased total phenol, free proline and activity of enzyme peroxidase.

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