Use of Alleviators to Reduce Toxicity of Chromium in Germination of Common Agricultural Crops

The effect of chromium on common agricultural crops (wheat, Indian mustard, sorghum, maize) was investigated and some alleviators were used to reduce chromium toxicity. Petri plate experiments were conducted in order to germinate seeds of crops. The results showed no reduction in germination up to 500 ppm but gradual decrease was observed in higher concentrations. Germination was higher in Indian mustard as compared to wheat and sorghum, however maize exhibited maximum germination. The higher chromium concentration (1000 ppm) significantly inhibited germination, plumule and radicle length. Addition of alleviators (ammonium sulphate, calcium sulphate, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, zinc sulphate) indicated reduction in chromium toxicity. The most effective alleviator was zinc sulphate. It may be concluded that the attenuation of chromium toxicity by alleviators addition is directly attributed to its regulation on germination, and their distribution at radicle and plumule length. The present study can be used as a tool to alleviate chromium toxicity to enhance the yield of common crops in soils contaminated by chromium.