Ascorbic Acid and Calcium Silicate Improve MorphoPhysiological Characteristics of Cadmium Stressed Mung Bean Crop

Abstract

A rise in heavy metal contamination especially in the rhizosphere affecting the growth and yield of crops is a major concern. We aimed to study the influence of using calcium silicate (CS) and ascorbic acid (AsA) supplements on lowering the impact of cadmium-induced toxicityin mung bean. Both the supplements alone or in combination improved growth characteristics of cadmium (Cd) stressed mung bean plants like root-shoot length and fresh-dry weight. Leaf pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids were also restored. A significant improvement in the relative leaf water content (RLWC) and low electrolyte leakage (EL) at the membrane was recorded. Results were more promising when combinations of CS and AsA treatments were used against the lower concentration of cadmium. Hence, both CS and AsA interact synergistically to alleviate Cd induced metal toxicity in mung bean plants.