The effect of two concentrations (0.01%, 0.02%) of organophosphorous insecticide, methyl parathion on black gram seedlings was studied using agar gel pot method. In both concentrations seed germination was inhibited. Due to the insecticide treatment, a reduction in the growth rate and an initial enhancement of protein followed by a sharp decrease were observed. A pronounced decrease in the soluble amino acid and an accumulation of total phenol content especially at 0.01 per cent concentration of the pesticide were noticed in the present study.
