Effect of excess zinc in soil on Moringa oleifera Lam. seedlings emergence

Maiara L. GRIGOLI-OLIVIO; Tassia C. FERREIRA; Beatriz S. dos SANTOS; Guilherme I. da SILVA; Gabriela da S. RAQUETI; Nayane C.P. BOMFIM; Maycon A. de ARAUJO; Fábio A. de A. MORAIS; Aline R. COSCIONE; Liliane S. de CAMARGOS

doi:10.15835/nbha53314404

Authors

Maiara L. GRIGOLI-OLIVIO São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Tassia C. FERREIRA São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Beatriz S. dos SANTOS São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Guilherme I. da SILVA São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Gabriela da S. RAQUETI São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Nayane C.P. BOMFIM São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Maycon A. de ARAUJO São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Fábio A. de A. MORAIS São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Crop Science, Food Technology, Rua Monção, 226, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)
Aline R. COSCIONE Agronomic Institute of Campinas, Av. Barão de Itapura, Botafogo, 1.481, Campinas, São Paulo, 13020-902 (BR)
Liliane S. de CAMARGOS São Paulo State University, Ilha Solteira School of Engineering, Department of Biology and Zootechny, Department of Biology and Animal Science, Rua Monção, 26, Zona Norte, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, 15385-086 (BR)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha53314404

Keywords:

emergence speed index, Moringaceae, potentially toxic element, seed germination, soil remediation, Zn sources

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient in the plant life cycle, playing catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in various physiological processes. However, when present in excess, Zn becomes a potentially toxic element (PTE), causing adverse effects ranging from impaired seed germination to inhibited plant growth and development. Understanding plant responses to increasing Zn concentrations in the soil is fundamental for the recovery of degraded areas and for assessing phytoremediation potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different Zn concentrations on the emergence of Moringa oleifera Lam. seedlings, comparing the responses to two Zn sources in the soil: zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under a completely randomized factorial design with four replicates. Treatments consisted of six Zn concentrations: 0 (control), 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg Zn dm^-3 of soil, for both sources. After a 30-day stabilization period (days after element application, DAE), M. oleifera seeds were sown and maintained for 15 days, after which emergence and biometric parameters were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when significant differences were detected, the Scott-Knott test at a 5% significance level was applied to compare treatments and sources. High Zn concentrations (400 and 500 mg Zn dm^-3 of soil) negatively affected seedling emergence, regardless of the Zn source. ZnSO₄ proved to be the more phytotoxic source, significantly reducing both the emergence percentage and speed, as well as biomass accumulation in the seedlings.

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