MITIGATION OF ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CHROMIUM CHLORIDE TOXICITY IN FLAX SEEDS (LINUM USITATISSIMUM L.) THROUGH FOLIAR APPLICATION OF FOLIC ACID

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the anatomical and morphological strategies of Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under the chromium (Cr) toxicity in the presence of folic acid (FA). The experiment was designed as a CRD (completely randomized design) to assess the morphological and anatomical traits under different concentrations of Cr toxicity (5 µM, 10 µM, 15 µM) along with two levels of FA (20 mg/L and 40 mg/L). It was hypothesized that Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) developed structural adaptations to overcome Cr stress with foliar application of FA. Morpho-anatomical attributes of Linum usitatissimum L were negatively affected due to Cr toxicity by disrupting nutrient uptake, inducing oxidative damage, inhibiting photosynthesis and altering tissue structure. The results of this study showed that at 15 µM root length was reduced by 46% and a 24% decline was assessed in shoot length. A decrease was observed in plant height by 56%, leaf area by 45% and dry weight by 78% in the 15 µM compared to the control group. Folic Acid  at 20mg/L  improved growth attributes under Cr stress and 40mg/L  FA offered the maximum resistance. Plant height, leaf area and biomass were improved and they followed the similar trend. Anatomical parameters were also adversely affected under Cr stress. At 15 µM maximum reduction was noted in the thickness of epidermis(37%), cortex(23%), xylem(14%), phloem(78%) and pith(12%) compared to the control group. Conclusively, Cr stress alone severely impaired  Linum usitatissimum L  morphology and anatomical structures, whereas 40 mg/L  folic acid mitigated these adverese effects.