Abstract

In the present study an attempt is made to understand the effect of different con- centrations of South India Viscose factory effluent on seed germination and seedling growth in five varieties of maize (Zea mays L.). The seed germination percentage and seedling growth parameters viz., roots length, shoot length and number of lateral roots formed on the first seminal root have shown an inverse relationship with increase in concentra- tion of the effluent. Likewise, increasing concentrations of the effulent correspondingly decreased the fresh and dry weights of the treated seedlings. The contents of chloroplast pigments, chlorophylls and carotenoids, also decreased correspondingly with increase in concentration of the effluent. Therefore, it is concluded that South India Viscose factory effluent cannot be utilised for irrigation purpose without prior treatment.

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