Effect of cadmium stress on seed germination and seedling morpho-physiological growth parameters of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea Link)

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal, which is seen in the contaminated soils and severely affects the growth and development of plants in recent years. The study on the seed germination and morpho-physiological growth characteristics of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea Link) cultivar CO (KV) 2 treated with different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg of soil) of Cd were evaluated at 15th, 30th and 45th day of interval. The findings of this research demonstrate that the maximum dosage of Cd (250 mg/kg of soil) affects the germination percentage (65%) of barnyard millet. Seedling vigor index has been negatively influences a drop in germination percentage. Increasing concentrations of Cd reveals the growth of root and shoot length and the quantity of fresh and dry weight affected. The phytotoxicity percentage of roots and shoots also increases with increasing concentrations of Cd, whereas the tolerance index level decreases with increasing concentrations of Cd. In root and shoot, the relative growth index was reduced in higher concentration of Cd. The relative water content remains high in the initial stages of leaf development and declines when the leaf matures. From this study, it was found that the increase in the concentration of Cd leads to decrease the germination percentage and morpho-physiological growth parameters as compared to control.