Differential effect of cadmium and mercury on growth and metabolism of Solanum melongena L. seedlings.

The present investigation reports the results of the effect of cadmium and mercury individually on seed germination, seedling growth, number of lateral roots, fresh and dry weights and seedling metabolism in Solanum melongena. Effect of different concentrations of these two heavy metals (Cadmium--50, 100, 300, 500, 700, 1000, 3000, 5000, 7000 and 9000 ppm and Mercury--5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 ppm) and durations for 6, 12 and 24 h were employed for all seedling parameters of brinjal. Both Cd and Hg showed drastic effects at high concentrations and longer duration with regard to seedling growth and metabolism.