Effect of different concentrations of cadmium metal and cattle manure on morph-physiological attributes of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum gracum L.) varieties

Abstract

The present study investigates the toxicological effects of cadmium stress on two different varieties of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L). Additionally, it explores the impact of cattle manure application on the morpho-physiological traits of cadmium-stressed spinach and fenugreek. The study employed a completely randomized design with three replicates assigned to each treatment. Two cadmium concentrations (35 mg L-1 and 70 mg L-1) were applied to both leafy vegetables two weeks after sowing. After 10 dwere of stress, the impact of cadmium stress on the biomass attributes (root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area) of fenugreek and spinach varieties was assessed. The results indicate that cadmium stress decreased these attributes, with the maximum decrease observed under 70 mg L-1 Cd stress compared to the control and 35 mg L-1 Cd stress. Cattle manure demonstrated a more pronounced positive influence on these parameters, particularly at the 35 mg L-1 concentration, compared to the 70 mg L-1 concentration in both species. Thus, the use of animal manure shows promise as a treatment against heavy metal contamination.