Effect of some heavy metals (Fe, Cu and Pb) on seed germination and incipient seedling growth of Festuca rubra ssp. commutate (Chewings fescue)

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate effect of ferric chloride, cupric carbonate and lead acetate on the seed germination and seedling growth of Festuca rubra ssp. commutate (Chewings fescue), a turfsgrass species. Seeds were subjected separately to five levels (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1% w/v) of the metal salts. Results showed that the germination percentage (GP) and coefficient rate of germination (CRG) decreased significantly with increasing metal concentrations. However, no germination occurred at 1% concentrations of both lead and ferric salts. Approximately 50% seed germination was observed in the same concentration of cupric salt. Root length was more affected by metals than shoot length. Both dry and fresh weights of seedlings decreased with increased salt load. An exception was 0.001% ferric salt which significantly enhanced dry weight. Also, among metal solutions, copper had no significant effect on fresh weight in comparison to the control. Our results exhibited that lead had more inhibitory effect on seed germination and growth parameters of Chewings fescue than ferric or cupric salts. Finally, the investigation of interaction impacts of these elements on Chewings fescue seed is recommended.