Effect of ascorbic acid on chromium remediation in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracium L.) germination

Scientists are extremely concerned about the problem of chromium pollution, which is having a negative impact on agricultural production worldwide. As a result, scientific attempts are being made to reduce chromium toxicity in crop plants using a variety of techniques such as ascorbic acid. The use of ascorbic acid has shown positive results compared to other techniques. In this study, we therefore investigated whether ascorbic acid controls chromium toxicity in fenugreek seeds, and at what concentration ascorbic acid can reduced the effect of chromium. To do this, we set the chromium concentration at 0.02 mg/l, this chromium concentration being chosen taking into account the maximum acceptable accumulation in water (0.1 mg/l chromium for irrigation water) in accordance with the standards in force in Morocco, and we varied the ascorbic acid concentration by carrying out combinations between these two elements. Chromium reduced root length, stem length, number of leaves, tolerance index, vigor index and germination index. with the exception of germination rate, which had no significant effect. chromium stimulates germination and inhibits lateral growth. While with the combination of 0.02 mg/l chromium and 4 mg/l ASC, root length, stem length, number of leaves, tolerance index, vigor index and germination index increased by 64.3%, 50%, 37.70%, 64%, 50% and 60% respectively compared with 0.02 mg/l on chromium only. However, the effects of chromium on these different parameters were considerably attenuated by the addition of ascorbic acid at a concentration of 4 mg/l. Intriguingly, ascorbic acid plays a role in reducing chromium toxicity.