International Journal on Science and Technology

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Hormetic Responses of Fodder Jowar (Sorghum Bicolor L.) to Lead Contamination: Differential Effects on Germination, Root Growth, and Seedling Resilience

Author(s) Fathima Afreen, Fatima Nuhi, Nausheen Rasheed, Syeda Amena Kausar
Country India
Abstract Lead (Pb) contamination can impair early crop establishment, yet some cereals show partial tolerance at the seedling stage. This study evaluated the toxicological effects of increasing Pb concentrations (0–300 ppm) on the germination and seedling growth of Fodder Jowar (Sorghum bicolor L.). Results indicated a distinct tissue-specific response to metal stress. Root growth was the most sensitive parameter, declining drastically from 20.87 cm in controls to 3.40 cm at 300 ppm Pb(NO₃)₂, resulting in a sharp reduction of the root/shoot ratio (1.44 to 0.28). Conversely, shoot length displayed relative resilience. While seed germination followed a dose-dependent decline (100% to 78.5%) with a corresponding rise in phytotoxicity (up to 21.47%), biomass analysis revealed a hormetic response. The Mean Tolerance Index (MTI) remained stable, exceeding 100% at lower concentrations (50–100 ppm Pb²⁺), indicating compensatory growth stimulation. This differential response — seed sensitivity coupled with seedling vigor — presents valuable implications for identifying Pb-tolerant germplasm and understanding adaptation mechanisms in cereals grown on marginally contaminated soils. Furthermore, these findings characterize Fodder Jowar as a species with seed sensitivity but high seedling resilience, highlighting its potential viability in soils with marginal metal contamination.
Keywords Lead Toxicity, Fodder Jowar, Hormesis, Mean Tolerance Index (MTI), Phytotoxicity
Published In Conference / Special Issue (Volume 17 | Issue 1) - One Day National Seminar on “Advances in Life Sciences for Diversity, Applications, and Human Welfare” (ALSDAHW-2025) (March 2026)
Published On 2026-03-16
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.ALSDAHW-2025.107
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