Response to Cadmium stress in Vigna radiata L., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., Oryza sativa L. and Pennisetum glaucum L.

Industrialization has resulted in the heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil. In the recent past, extensive studies on heavy metals are being carried out throughout the world, to understand the disturbances caused in the ecosystems.  In the present study, Cadmium was assessed for its injurious effect on seed germination and seedling growth of  Vignaradiata L.,  Trigonella foenum-graceum  L.,  Oryzasativa L. and  Pennisetumglaucum L. The seeds growing in petri dishes were exposed to cadmium in increasing concentrations of 1,3,5,10,50,100,200,300,500 ppm. Each treatment was replicated in a randomised design and observed over a period of 7 days. The seedlings were studied for their response based on germination rate, seed, vigour index, length of radicle, length of plumule and fresh weight against seeds germinated using distilled water as control. The intensity of inhibitory effect on all other parameters was directly proportional to the concentration of cadmium solution employed and inhibition was prominent from 50 ppm onwards. Based on the overall health of the seedling, the observed toxic effect of Cadmium was pronounced in Trigonella foenum-graceum  L. > Oryza sativa L. > Pennisetum glaucum L. > Vigna radiate L.