INVESTIGATION OF DISTINCTIVE MORPHO - PHYSIO AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) UNDER HEAVY METAL STRESS CONDITIONS 3780
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Date
2023-10
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JAU JUNAGADH
Abstract
Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn, is a self-pollinated annual herb
belonging to family fabaceae. Fenugreek is also used in medicine as a carminative,
analgesic, anti-inflammatory and also as tonic for gastric troubles, diabetes, leucorrhea etc.
Human exposure to heavy metals comes mostly through edible vegetables, which
account for around 90% of the overall intake, while the remaining 10% comes from skin
contact and breathing of polluted dust. Because of the growing demand for food in recent
decades, food safety has become a major public health concern in terms of human health.
In this manner the chain of link gets established between heavy metals and contaminated
food products and health risks associated with them.
Since leafy vegetables have a tendency to accumulate relatively larger number of
heavy metals, it is essential to have knowledge about their accumulation pattern and their
toxic effects in relation to plant growth and metabolism.
This study investigated the morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in
fenugreek plant under heavy metal stress condition grown in both petri plate and polybag
separately. Heavy metals like chromium, nickel and mercury were included in the study
with different concentrations for both the experiments. Germination percentage, speed of
germination, growth parameters (shoot length, root length, seedling length, seedling vigour
index, fresh weight, dry weight, metal tolerance index), biochemical parameters (proline,
chlorophyll, MDA, H2O2, Antioxidant activity, phenol content, MSI) and accumulation of
heavy metals, were analysed to evaluate the performance of fenugreek under heavy metal
stress condition.
The impact of heavy metals on the morphological parameters of fenugreek
seedlings cultivated in Petri plates was investigated. The findings highlighted that exposure
to heavy metals led to a notable reduction in shoot length, root length, seedling length, and
seedling vigour index when compared to the control group. Among the three metals studied,
nickel demonstrated the mildest effects on seedling morphology. In contrast, chromium and
mercury caused a substantial 25 to 50% decrease in the evaluated morphological
parameters compared to the control. Remarkably, the concentration of 800 ppm chromium
exhibited the most significant reduction in the mentioned parameters, establishing it as the
most toxic level of chromium exposure. Dry weight was more affected than fresh weight,
with 53-70% reductions in chromium and nickel, but less impact from mercury. Moisture
content was least affected.
The presented study delves into the impact of heavy metals on various
morphological parameters of fenugreek plants cultivated in polybags. The findings
revealed that the root length experienced a substantial reduction (32 to 41%) at higher metal
concentrations compared to lower doses. Shoot length remained unaffected by certain
concentrations of chromium and nickel, though mercury led to reduced growth. Leaf area
was generally resilient to heavy metals, except for specific concentrations of chromium and
mercury causing reductions. Heavy metal concentration detrimentally affected fresh
weight, while dry weight exhibited a biphasic response, both positive and negative. Dry
matter accumulation displayed a positive correlation with heavy metal concentration.
Proline content showed a drastic increase (almost 100 %) under 400 ppm of nickel
treatment. Chlorophyll content was more impacted by chromium and nickel than by
mercury. H2O2 content was notably elevated in plants treated with higher chromium and
nickel doses. Chromium-treated plants exhibited the highest MDA production, followed by
mercury and nickel treatments. Nickel substantially affected membrane stability and
phenolic content. Antioxidant activity was significantly heightened in chromium and nickel
treatments compared to mercury. Metal accumulation increased with concentration,
particularly in roots. Chromium showed the highest root accumulation, followed by nickel
and mercury. Heavy metal remediation is a must activity to be followed to our secured
future since the speed of urbanization and industrialization, which is the main cause, is
surpassing even the speed of light. So, this idea of research needs a peak importance with
respect to conservation of agricultural lands, maintenance of organic and healthy food habit
and life style with less impacts. Innovations and discoveries in this thought can reduce the
ill effects of heavy metals on human health, plants and soil micro flora and fauna