Biochemical analysis of lead induced stress in fodder plants pearl millet ( pennisetum glaucum L.) and alfalfa ( medicago sativa L.)

Heavy metals due to contamination of soil, water and air have imposed deleterious impact on both producers and consumers. An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of heavy metal i.e. lead on two edible plants i.e. pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Lead impact was induced by treating each set with different concentrations of lead nitrate ranging from 0 (control), 50, 100, 200 and 400 ppm. All seedling and plant growth parameters decreased in shoots and roots of both the plants with increasing concentrations of lead nitrate. Toxicity increased with increase in concentration of lead nitrate. Nevertheless, stress markers (MDA and Proline) were enhanced in pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) and alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ). This study highlighted that lead exerted harmful stress to the growth of P. glaucum and M. sativa upon uptake Being edible plants entrance of lead in food chain and bio magnification at higher trophic level cannot be ignored. Therefore, immediate steps to mitigate lead pollution must be an urgent strategy for the sake of food safety.