Effects of cyanobacteria producing microcystins on seed germination and seedling growth of several agricultural plants

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Sana Saqrane (Author) Other; Issam El Ghazali (Author) Other; Brahim Oudra (Author) Other; Bouarab, L (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Environmental Science and Health - Part B Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes

Vol. 43

Pages: 443-451

ISSN: 0360-1234

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 57 Citations

Scopus - 55 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-3VF

DOI: 10.1080/03601230802062307

Abstract (EN): The effects of cyanobacteria aqueous extracts containing Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) on the seed germination and growth of Pisum sativum, Lens esculenta, Zea mays and Triticum durum were investigated. Experiments were carried out on a range of doses of the extract (equivalent to 0, 1.6, 2.9, 5.8, 8.7 and 11.6 mu g MC-LR/mL). The results confirm that these plants were sensitive to cell-free extracts of a toxic Microcystis and that germination inhibition was dose dependent. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that P. sativum is the most sensitive tested species with a 97% germination rate reduction and L. esculenta was the most resistant. At the 8th day, the exposure to the microcystins (MC) resulted in a significant decrease of plant epicotyls length, roots length and a net inhibition of lateral root formation. It is concluded that MC could affect also terrestrial plants seedling germination and growth. Therefore, the use of water for irrigation contaminated by MC could exert negative biochemical effects on seed and plant metabolism which might influence the agricultural crops.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9