Effects of selected trace metals on germinating seeds of six plant species

Seeds of cabbage, lettuce, millet, radish, turnip, and wheat were treated with solutions containing Be, Ni, Tl, or V, and subsequent effects on seed germination and radicle elongation were measured after three days. Treatment with low concentrations of Be, Ni, or V stimulated root elongation in most species. Higher concentrations of these elements and all treatment with Tl caused reductions in root elongation. In general, turnip and lettuce were the most sensitive of the plants studied to the metals tested, while wheat and millet were the least sensitive.