Sustained-release tablets

Heavy metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) are common environmental pollutants that constitute a major hazard to soil and plant health. The metals are known to inhibit plant growth and development, and they have implications for agriculture and food security. The present research seeks to explore the effect of these heavy metals on the germination and seedling growth of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), a widely grown crop of both agricultural and medicinal value. The experiment, carried out under controlled laboratory conditions, subjected fenugreek seeds to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) of each metal. The findings showed drastic reduction in seed germination percent, shoot and root growths, and vigor of the seedlings as concentration of heavy metal increased, but lead exhibited worst effects. Results highlight adverse influence of heavy metal pollution on the growth of plant, thereby bringing into perspective requirements for remediation measures against the environmental pollution for its detestable effect on agricultural produce.