Department of BotanyUniversity of Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur (U.P.) India
1 Present address: Department of Life Sciences, Vigyan Bhawan, Knandwa Road, University of Indore, Indore (M.P.) 452001.
The in vitro effects of aqueous hydrogen sulphide on pigment and protein levels in mature primary leaves of maize were studied. There was a direct correlation between the concentration of aqueous H2S and decrease in pigments and proteins. Decline in chlorophyll and carotenoid levels increased with increasing concentration of H2S from 0.05% to 0.4%. As regards proteins, the linearity of response was maintained only up to 0.2%. Incubation period also affected the decline in pigments. During first two days of incubation with 0.4% H2S, decline in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents was more rapid than the remaining six days.
These experiments demonstrate that aqueous H2S like many other pollutants accelerates senescence.
