Author(s):

Ch. Saidulu, C. Venkateshwar, S. Gangadhar Rao

Abstract: Plants were grown in pot culture experiments with three treatments in black soil, Treatment No I, a control without any addition to the soil, Treatment No II, Cadmium 10ppm, Chromium 20ppm, Nickel 16ppm were introduced into the soil, Treatment No III, one % of Calcium hydroxide was also added along with heavy metals to soil and was grown up to the productivity levels. To know the effect of the heavy metals on the growth and development of Withania somnifera plants, the study of macro morphology of external character was undertaken. Productivity was reduced in the plants grown in heavy metal treated plants compared to control plants. The experimental data revealed that the external morphology plants i.e., Plant height (cms), No of branches reduced in (Treatment No II) heavy metals treated plants and also was increased in No. of leaves compared to control plants and heavy metals + Calcium hydroxide treated plants. The No. of fruits per plants, leaf area reduced in the (Treatment No III) heavy metal+ Calcium hydroxide treated plant compared to control plants and heavy metals treated plants. This indicates that the heavy metal effects on the growth and development of the plants and ultimately the yields.

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