Biochemical and growth effects of silver in wheat plants

Abstract

Our experiments on the cultivation of wheat plants in the laboratory, on nutrient solutions supplemented with AgNO3, showed that the exposure to Ag+ at concentrations of 10 mmol×L-1 and 100 mmol×L-1 for 7 days led to growth inhibition and modification of certain biochemical indices, compared to control plants. The observed differences concerned the activity of soluble peroxidases and the degree of lipid peroxidation in the roots of wheat plants, as well as the quantity of chlorophylls in their leaves. These results may reflect both a toxic effect and a regulatory role of silver in plants.