Elemental toxicity effects on germination and growth of pearl millet seedlings1

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Abstract
Variability in millet stands in West Africa is clearly visible as early as three weeks after planting. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of pH and chemical toxicities on millet germination and seedling growth and to compare varietal tolerance of toxic conditions. A nutrient solution study was carried out with a series of Hoagland‐based nutrient solutions. Germination percentage was calculated, and root and shoot lengths were measured for one week. Critical values were determined for toxic elements. The only treatment which reduced germination percentage significantly was copper (Cu) concentrations >0.05M. Solution pH values between 5 and 7 resulted in the best root growth, though shoot growth was unaffected by pH. The roots were more sensitive than the shoots to several [aluminum (Al), boron (B), zinc (Zn)] of the elemental toxicities studied. Soil Al and manganese (Mn) levels may be high enough to have toxic effects on millet roots. However, natural soil iron (Fe), Cu, and Zn levels were much lower than the critical levels determined in the nutrient solution study. The improved varieties were more tolerant of Fe and Zn toxicity than the LOCAL variety, but the LOCAL variety was more tolerant of high B concentrations.