Phytotoxicity of cobalt, chromium and copper in cauliflower

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracca L. var. Botrytis cv. Maghi) was grown in refined sand with complete nutrition (control) and at 0.5 mM each of Ca, Cr and Cu. In cauliflower, compared to that of excess Cu or Cr, the visible effects of excess Co appeared first and were most pronounced. Excess of each heavy metal restricted the biomass of cauliflower, concentrations of Fe, chlorophylls a and b, protein and activity of catalase in leaves in the order Co > Cu > Cr. The translocation of Cr from roots to tops was minimum and that of Co was maximum when cauliflower was individually supplied with excess Co, Cu or Cr. In cauliflower each heavy metal inhibited the concentration of most of the macro- and micronutrients. The translocation of P, S, Mn, Zn and Cu from roots to tops of cauliflower were affected most significantly by Co and least by Cr. In contrast to excess Cu or Cr, Co significantly decreased the water potential and transpiration rates and increased diffusive, resistance and relative water content in leaves of cauliflower. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.