Excess chromium alters uptake and translocation of certain nutrients in citrullus

Citrullus plants were grown in refined sand with varying levels of chromium to determine their tolerance limit to excess chromium. The plants were maintained in control nutrient solution for 24 days and on the 25th day chromium as dichromate was added at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mM. A control set of plants was grown in the same nutrient solution without chromium. At chromium levels >0.2 mM plants showed growth depression, with chlorosis and loss of turgor of middle leaves. Affected leaves had narrow lamina; tendrils were thin, short and did not have coiling property. Later chlorosis became severe and changed to necrosis in patches. Petiole along with lamina became wilted, rugged and hung down due to complete loss of water. At lower chromium concentration, (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mM) only depression in growth was observed. With increase in chromium concentration of nutrient solution accumulation of chromium in different parts of Citrullus was increased. Increase in concentrations of phosphorus, manganese and decrease in iron, copper, zinc and sulphur were observed in leaves. Toxicity of chromium was greater at 0.2-0.4 mM, compared to lower concentrations. Threshold of toxicity and toxicity of Cr in old leaves were, respectively, 0.9 and 3.9 mug g(-1) dry matter of citrullus. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.