Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Zea mays L. cv Floneybaby and Lactuca sativa L. cv Brown Mignonette Grown in Cadmium-Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Seed germination and seedling development of com (Zea mays L. cv Honeybaby) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv Brown Mignonette) grown in cadmium-contaminated abandoned mine soils were investigated. Soils were gathered from three stations in the Calancan Bay causeway in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque and from the area’s immediate vicinity, and were analyzed for cadmium content and other soil parameters. Seed germination parameters observed included cumulative percent germination and index of germination rate, while seedling growth was evaluated through root-to-shoot ratio, total biomass, and chlorophyll content. Results showed that after twenty-one days, cadmium exposure does not significantly affect corn germination and growth, while lettuce was significantly affected by exposure to abnormal cadmium concentrations. This suggests that com can be tolerant of cadmium-contaminated soils, while lettuce could be sensitive to cadmium contamination.