Chromium (VI)-Induced Alterations in Physio-Chemical Parameters, Yield, and Yield Characteristics in Two Cultivars of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) presently used in various major industries and its residues possess a potent environmental threat. Contamination of soil and water resources due to Cr ions and its toxicity has adversely affected plant growth and crop productivity. Here, deleterious effects of different levels of Cr (VI) treatments i.e., 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 μM on two mungbean cultivars, Pusa Vishal (PV) and Pusa Ratna (PR), in hydroponic and pot conditions were evaluated. Germination, seedling growth, biomass production, antioxidant enzyme, electrolytic leakage, oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde), and proline content were determined to evaluate the performance of both cultivars under hydroponic conditions for 15 days. The hydroponic results were further compared with the growth and seed yield attributes of both the genotypes in pot experiments performed over 2 years. Seedling growth, biomass production, total chlorophyll (Chl), Chl-a, Chl-b, nitrogen content, plant height, seed protein, and seed yield decreased significantly under the 120 μM Cr stress level. Activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase increased in the leaves following Cr exposure at 60–90 μM but declined at 120 μM. Cr-induced reductions in growth and seed yield attributes were more in the sensitive than in the tolerant cultivar. Cr accumulation in the roots, stems, leaves, and seeds increased with an increase in Cr concentrations in the pot conditions. Furthermore, for both cultivars, there were significant negative correlations in morpho-physiological characteristics under high Cr concentrations. Overall results suggest that (PR) is more sensitive to Cr stress (PV) at the seedling stage and in pot conditions. Furthermore, (PV) can be utilized to study the mechanisms of Cr tolerance and in breeding programs to develop Cr-resistant varieties.

Glycine betaine modulates chromium (VI)-induced morpho-physiological and biochemical responses to mitigate chromium toxicity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars

“…Both chickpea cultivars displayed a marked reduction in chl- a , chl- b , and total chl levels under Cr stress; however, this reduction was higher in the sensitive cultivar. Similar results have been reported in different crop species, including mungbean 5 , rapeseed 1 , and cauliflower 4 . GB application increases internodal elongation of shoots by increasing cell expansion and division, which may explain its effect on growth performance under Cr stress.…”

“…However, the damage due Cr stress was lower in tolerant genotypes than the sensitive one. Similar results have been observed in different crop plant species such as rapeseed 1 , wheat 40 , and mungbean 5 . Plants exposed to Cr exhibited high ROS production and membrane lipid peroxidation, along with increased damage to the structure and function of the cell membrane system.…”

“…However, there was significantly less reduction in various enzyme activity in tolerant cultivar than the sensitive one. Studies on different plant species have similarly reported a significant decrease in these antioxidant enzymes in leaves at high Cr concentrations 1 , 5 . However, the activity these antioxidant enzymes at lower concentrations also plays an important role in reducing Cr stress in various plant species 38 , 55 , 56 .…”

“…A major source of protein, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fiber 28 , chickpea is an excellent source of energy and is frequently used as animal fodder 29 . Studies have shown that many pulse crop species, such as chickpea 30 , mungbean 5 , 31 , and pea 32 , are severely affected by Cr stress. For example, Singh et al 30 reported the tolerance and accumulation potential of chickpea cultivars under Cr stress; hence, Cr toxicity in chickpea crops should be reduced to lower Cr accumulation in plant organs and ensure food safety.…”

Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Based Moderation of Chromium Stress in Tomato Seedlings is Related with Induced Antioxidants and Suppressed Cr Uptake

“…More importantly, Cr(VI) after entering into plant system accumulates in edible plant parts and thus poses severe health hazards for the ultimate consumers (Cherfi et al, 2015). Toxicity of Cr in biological processes of the plants and associated alteration in physiological activities relies directly on the concentration of Cr uptake by plant roots, its translocation to aboveground plant parts, and the accumulation in fluorescent tissues (Singh et al, 2021).…”