EFFECTS OF CADMIUM ON THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES OF VEGETATIVE ORGANS OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIENTINUM L.)

Abstract

The effects of cadmium on the anatomical structures of different vegetative
parts, namely root, stem and leaf of chickpea, Cicer arientinum L. was studied.
Four different concentrations of CdCl2 e.g. 250, 500, 750 and 1000 μM were
considered as treatments alongside non treated samples (control). In case of root
anatomy decrease of root diameter, root cortex area, thick walled endodermal
layer and reduced number of metaxylem vessels were observed compared to
control. Similarly, stem diameter, cortical area, size and number of xylem vessels
were decreased in Cd treated stem. However, large and increased number of
trichomes had been found in Cd treated stem samples with deposition of
phenolic compounds in vessels with increasing concentration of Cd.
Considerable less toxic effects were observed in leaf anatomy except decrease in
leaf thickness, reduced vascular area and closure of stomata in comparison to
control sample. All such plant anatomical alterations indicated adverse effects as
well as tolerance of chickpea up to certain concentrations of heavy metal to cope
up with the changing environment.