EFFECTS OF GA3 HORMONE TREATMENTS ON ION UPTAKE AND GROWTH OF PEPPER PLANTS UNDER CADMIUM STRESS

The present study was conducted to identify the response of pepper plants under cadmium stress to gibberellic acid (GA(3)) treatments. Plants were exposed to different cadmium chlorine doses (0, 20, 40, 60 ppm) cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and GA(3) (10 ppm) treatments. A resistance scale was used based on symptoms over the leaves and mineral element analyses (K, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg and Cd) were performed. Experiments were conducted in hydroponic culture with Demre pepper cultivar under controlled conditions. Present results revealed significant effects of Cd treatments on Cd, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg and K concentrations of the plants. Combined treatments of Cd and GA(3) (10 ppm) also increased ion accumulation especially in leaves. It was observed under stress conditions that GA(3) hormone treatments inhibited plant growth to prevent stress, increased ion uptake, well-adjusted ion balance and let the plants avoid from stressors.