The effect of biochar and salicylic acid on growth and physiological traits of cumin )Cuminum Cuminum L. (on soil cadmium contamination

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Agronomy Department, Fasa Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fasa, Iran

Abstract

Heavy metals are considered as one of the most important pollutants in the environment and the application of biochar and salicylic acid can play a significant role in heavy metals tolerance in plants. This study was conducted in a factorial arrangement based on randomized complete design in three repetitions in Shiraz city, 2021-22. The experimental factors included three levels of cadmium nitrate (0, 50, and 100 mg per kg of soil) and compounds at five levels of the control, two biochar levels (2% and 4% w/w), and 100 and 200 μM salicylic acid. The results indicated that the highest concentration of cadmium in roots and shoot, ion leakage and malondialdehyde were observed in the 100 mg/kg soil of cadmium. On the other hand, biochar levels of 4% w/w at 50 and 100 mg of Cd soil decreased the concentration of cadmium in the root by 35% and 31%, respectively, compared to the control. In addition, at the level of 100 mg Cd, 14% and 16% reduction of malondialdehyde in leaves was observed in 100 and 200 μM salicylic acid. The catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity in leaves indicated an increasing trend with the increased consumption of cadmium nitrate. Biochar levels of 4% w/w at 50 and 100 mg of Cd soil increased the seed weight by 21% and 25%, respectively, compared to the control. Finally, the results of this study indicated the successful effects of biochar and salicylic acid compounds in improving the physiological characteristics, weight shoot and seed.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 May 2023
  • Receive Date: 30 November 2022
  • Revise Date: 23 April 2023
  • Accept Date: 30 April 2023