Effect of lead on growth and physiological responses of Hanjuang plant (Cordyline fruicosa)

Abstract

The research aimed to analyze the growth and physiological response of Cordyline fruicosa plant. In this study, plants were grown on soil contaminated with lead at various concentrations. The parameters observed included leaf area, the leaves number, stem dry biomass, leaf and roots, photosynthetic pigment, and antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and APX) which were analyzed after 60 days. The results were plants growth, dry biomass, and photosynthetic pigments decreased with the increasing of lead concentrations while the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) increased. This study signifies the potential of C. fruicosa for lead tolerance.