Investigation of the effects of some heavy metals on the development of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plant in In vitro conditions

In this study, the effects of different heavy metals applications to cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seeds in in vitro conditions on germination and plant growth were investigated. MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) nutrient medium and heavy metals (Cadmium, Cobalt, Nickel, Aluminum, Lead, Chromium, Copper) at different doses (100 µM, 200 µM, 300 µM, 400 µM, 500 µM) were used in the experiments. In the study, germination rate of seeds, cotyledon rate, root and shoot lengths on the fifth and tenth days were determined. As a result of the measurements, it was determined that the germination and cotyledon rates were the highest in 500 µM of cadmium, 200 µM of chromium, 100 µM of lead, and control applications of aluminum and cobalt. Five doses of copper and nickel were statistically in the same group with the control application. According to the root and shoot length, the longest root length of cadmium heavy metal was observed in the control application, and the longest shoot length was recorded in the control, 200 µM and 300 µM doses. In the cobalt application, the longest root length was obtained from the control, 100 µM and 200 µM doses, and the longest shoot length was found in the control application. In nickel heavy metal application, while the highest root length was obtained from 400 µM dose, the difference between the doses in shoot length was found to be statistically insignificant. In the application of aluminum heavy metal, while the longest root length was observed at the dose of 400 µM, results of the shoot lengths were statistically in the same group. When the differences between the copper doses were examined, in the root length, the highest results were obtained from control, 100 µM, 200 µM and 300 µM doses, and they were in the same group statistically