Comparing cadmium and copper sulfate effects on seed germination and seedling initial growth properties in two range Species

ABSTRACT: The current research focused on comparing the effects of different levels of heavy traces of cadmium and copper sulfate on seed germination and seedling development in two important range species namely A. elongatum and B. inermis. The seeds of mentioned species were strilled and put on Wattman paper for 8 days and treated with 10, 20 and 30 mg/l levels of cadmium and copper sulfate. In addition distilled water was used as control. Four replications (petri dishes) each including 25 seeds were applied. Germination percentage, germination rate, vigority and seedling length were evaluated. Germinated seeds were recorded daily. Length of seedlings was performed after ending of the experiment. The results of Anova and means comparison showed that germination rate of the species has not affected due to traces application while the rest of the properties showed significant difference in treated and untreated status. Totally it was found that 30 mg/l was the most effective level and B. inermis was more sensitive than A. elongatum when faced with cadmium and copper sulfate.