Effect of mercury on seed germination, growth parameters and biochemical characteristics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) cultivars

The effect of elevated concentrations of mercury on seed germination and seedlings growth responses of three Brassica juncea L. cultivars, namely Varuna, Kranti, and Pusa Jai Kisan. was evaluated. The mercury concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µM) suppressed seed germination significantly in concentration dependent manner and differentially among the cultivars. The inhibition due to Hg was much greater after one day of treatment with lowest suppression in cv. Varuna than others.