Determination of changes in some anatomical and physiological parameters in pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) seedlings under the lead (Pb) stress

The study covers some anatomic and physiological changes in pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) seedlings under lead (Pb(NO3)2) stress. For 20 days, Pb(NO3)2 solutions of 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm are applied on seedlings. At the end of treatments, samples were obtained from leaves and roots of plants in order to detect anatomic changes. As for leaf samples, the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids), total phenolic compounds, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lead contents are determined. The research revealed changes in root and leaf anatomies depending on lead application. Depending on lead application, photosynthetic pigments decreased, while lead accumulations increased. It is also observed that total phenolic compounds and MDA levels showed differences depending on the lead concentrations. Key Words: Lead stress, Anatomy, Pigments, Phenolic compounds, Malondialdehyde Solanum muricatum