Toxicity of copper and cadmium on germination and Seedling growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) seeds

The toxic effects of copper and cadmium on seed germination, seedling, root, shoot length and seedling dry biomass of maize was evaluated under laboratory conditions compared to control values. Copper and cadmium treatments at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L affected seed germination and seedling growth of maize as compared to control. Copper treatments at 50, 100, 150and 200 mg/L concentrations produced significant (p<0.05) effects on seed germination and seedling length of maize while copper treatment at 150 mg/L significantly affected root growth and seedling dry biomass as compared to control. Similarly, cadmium treatments from 50 to 200 mg/L affected the seed germination, root, shoot length and seedling dry biomass of maize as compared to control. Cadmium treatments showed adverse effects on seedlings of maize as compared to copper, copper and cadmium treatments at 200 mg/L exhibited lowest percentage of tolerance in seedlings of maize as compared to control.