Copper Toxicity on Triticum aestivum L and Lactuca sativa L: Effects on Germination and Growth

Abstract

Copper is necessary for the growth and development of plants, but at high concentrations it is extremely toxic, resulting in growth inhibition and toxicity symptoms. In this study we investigated the effects of seed immersion on Triticum aestivum L and Lactuca sativa L for 24 hours, at different concentrations of CuSO4 x 5H20 (0.05g/L - variant V1; 0.1g/L - variant V2; 0.5 g/L - variant V3; 1 g/L - variant V4). There were investigated the seed germination, root and shoot lengths, tolerance index and phytotoxicity index. The result of metabolic disturbances induced by the treatment of vegetative organs was their growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner.