Nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll content in Sphagnum as affected by kinetin, glutathione and metals

It was observed that while kinetin promoted chlorophyll and nitrate reductase activity of Sphagnum squarrosum, heavy metals Pb and Ni inhibited it. Phytotoxic effect of the heavy metal was overcome by glutathione, which is a precursor of metal binding peptides. While kinetin application enhanced the chlorophyll and nitrate reductase activity, it did not negate the toxic effects of heavy metals.