Effect of copper, nickel and lead on callus growth dynamics of Solanum lycopersicum (original) (raw)

2022, Journal of Applied and Natural Science

Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) is a member of the family Solanaceae and is considered a vegetable crop and nutrient food for most culinary uses. Due to the presence of potassium, various antioxidants, vitamin C and choline content and low sugar content in tomato fruits, their consumption is considered good for heart health (Kim et al., 2011). The antioxidants in S.lycopersicum help the plant to combat stress caused by free radicals when given harsh or stressed conditions.(Kristinaet al. 2019) Nowadays, increasing pollution level in agricultural soil is one of the major concerns because contaminants significantly cause abiotic stress, thereby decreasing the productivity of food crops(Das and Das, 2019). Among different environmental contaminants, heavy metals are a group of elements non-biodegradable in nature and can bioaccumulate in both plant and animal systems. Some industrial and biologically important heavy metals include aluminium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc (Horsfall and Spiff, 2004; Rehman et al., 2021). Heavy metals are commonly encountered in agricultural soil through industrial wastes and pose serious environmental concerns that can not be overlooked (Guoet al., 2006; Okereaforet al., 2020). Due to release of heavy metals via industrial wastes has become a matter of serious