Germination and growth parameters of Raphanus sativus L. and Triticum sativum L. plants exposed to TNT and HMX explosives

Differences in the degree of expressed phytotoxicity due to various 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazine (HMX) TNT and HMX-concentrations were established. Effects of TNT and HMX on germination, seedling development and some basic growth components include relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA), ear and root tuber fresh weight of Raphanus sativus L. and Triticum sativum L plants were characterized. Growth analysis of TNT and HMX-treated plants showed inhibiting effect of TNT on Raphanus sativus L., Triticum sativum L. and HMX on Raphanus sativus L., while HMX cause increasing growth parameters to Triticum sativum L. up to 37.5% relative to control samples. Results indicate Raphanus sativus L. is less tolerant to TNT and HMX than Triticum sativum L.