Re-establishment of indigenous vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi after topsoil storage

Summary The effect of lead and cadmium on the dry matter yield and nutrient concentration of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and egg-plant (Solanum melongena) was studied in a greenhouse experiment. The results showed some benificial effects of Pb and Cd at their lower doses and toxicity at higher levels. The threshold concentration (C₁₀), toxicity index (T₁₀) and loading rate to produce C₁₀ were also calculated. These values suggested the tomato to be more tolerant than egg-plant for heavy metals whose toxicity was found in the order of Cd>Pb in both the plants.The application of the heavy metals was found to effect the nutrient concentration and their uptake by plants. The results have been explained on the basis of their complexation and translocation through the plant sap.