Application of FeSO₄-EDTA Foliar Spray for Amelioration of Chromium Phytotoxicity in Clusterbean

Excessive levels of heavy metals in agricultural land constitute an increasingly serious threat not only for plant growth and yield, but also for environment and human health. Chromium (Cr) is highly reactive and toxic to plants. Its excessive amount has been reported to produce visible symptoms of toxicity in several plants. In the present study, phytotoxicity of 2.0 mg Cr (VI) kg⁻¹ soil was determined on morphology of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) plants. A remarkable reduction in various growth parameters viz. number of leaves, plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight was obtained at 2.0 mg Cr (VI) kg⁻¹ soil. Again the crop was raised in similar Cr stress and a foliar spray of FeSO₄-EDTA was made on Cr (VI) stressed clusterbean plants for amelioration of the toxic effects of Cr (VI). Foliar spray of FeSO₄-EDTA solution resulted in recovery of plant growth compared to Cr (VI) treated plants. Toxic effects of Cr (VI) on different morphological parameters like number of leaves, plant height and root length, fresh and dry weight of leaves, stem and roots were also ameliorated to different extent by application of FeSO₄-EDTA solution. Among all these treatments, 0.50 mM FeSO₄-EDTA solution was observed as most effective treatment for amelioration of Cr (VI) toxicity. The study demonstrated a potential amelioration strategy and it is suggested that applications of FeSO₄-EDTA in different modes might enhance its amelioration potential.