ALLEVIATION OF IRON (Fe2+) TOXICITY IN GINSENG (PANAX GINSENG C. A. MEYER) ROOTS AND LEAVES BY CALCIUM APPLICATION IN HYDROPONICS CULTURE

Rusty root is a serious problem in ginseng. Iron toxicity is an important phenomenon implicated with this rust symptom. Based on earlier attempts to reduce metal toxicity by Calcium (Ca), the present study was carried out to explore if Ca can ameliorate Fe toxicity in ginseng. Excess iron led to decreased chlorophyll content in leaves followed by necrotic spots on the lamina and reddish-brown deposition at the root surface. High Ca (16 and 32 mM) significantly reduced the Fe accumulation in leaves (p < 0.05) and its toxicity symptoms in plants. Ca at 32 mM enhanced the activities of SOD and POD and the pigment content in the Fe stressed leaves (p < 0.05). Positive influence of Ca was also reflected by higher root dry biomass and major ginsenosides accumulation in the stressed roots (p < 0.05). Ca enables plants to withstand the deleterious effect of excess Fe and prevents rusty symptoms in roots.