Abstract

The focus of the present study was to explore lead (Pb) induced root growth alterations vis-à-vis root morphological changes in leafy vegetable crops, namely, spinach [Spinacia oleracea (L.) cv. Pusa Bharti] and cabbage [Brassica oleracea (L.) cv Golden Acre] to establish the correlation between Pb accumulation and various root parameters. Both the crops were as exposed to different Pb concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mg/1) in irrigation water and changes in various root characteristics, namely, root fresh weight, dry weight, length, surface area, volume, length density, tips, forks and root crossings in both the crops were studied. The majority of the root parameters were adversely affected in spinach more as compared to cabbage even at very low concentration of Pb (2.5 mg/1) in irrigation water. However, at highest level of Pb (10.0 mg/1) the root fresh weight, dry weight, length, surface area, volume, length density, tips, forks and root crossings in spinach were reduced by 68, 79, 81, 81, 76, 73, 84, 82 and 81%, respectively, while for cabbage, the above parameters were reduced by 59, 55, 81, 79, 95, 82, 84, 76 and 89% in the same order. It is suggested that spinach is more sensitive to Pb than cabbage. Both the crops being leafy vegetable should not be advocated to grow with Pb contaminated environment as it caused lead to food chain contamination.