Growth, tolerance and zinc accumulation in Senna multijuga and Erythrina crista-galli seedlings

Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient that is reaching toxic levels in the soil, with the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, accumulation and tolerance of Erythrina crista-galli and Senna multijuga seedlings in soil with addition of increasing Zn levels. The study was conducted in a greenhouse for 120 days, using a completely randomized design in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement, corresponding to two tree species (S. multijuga and E. crista-galli) aOnd six doses of zinc in the soil (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg(-1)) with six replicates. E. crista-galli and S. multijuga seedlings decreased root and shoot dry weight with increasing Zn doses. E. crista-galli and S. multijuga have low Zn translocation index and are capable to phytostabilize Zn in the roots. E. cristagalli had greater tolerance to Zn compared with S. multijuga. The species have potential for Zn phytostabilization programs in contaminated soil.