Germination and Early Seedling Growth in Sweet Sorghum Exposed to Heavy Metal Stress under Seed Priming Pretreatments

Abstract

This study was conducted under laboratory conditions to determine the effects of priming pretreatments (GA3, KNO3 and H2O) on germination and seedling development of sweet sorghum exposed to different levels (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg l-1) of lead, cadmium and nickel stress. The results of the research revealed that, in general, heavy metals negatively affected both germination and seedling growth properties. However, the severity of the negative effect showed significant differences depending on the kind and dose of the heavy metal. It has been determined that the negative effects of cadmium and nickel were higher than lead. Among the priming pre-treatments, it was determined that in general, pre-application with H2O was sufficient, and there was no need for other priming agents. However, it has been determined that heavy metals significantly reduce root and seedling growth even at low doses. This situation showed that even if germination occurred, healthy plant growth would not occur at heavy metal doses above 150 mg l-1.