CHROMIUM UPTAKE AND ITS EFFECTS ON CERTAIN PLANT NUTRIENTS IN MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS L CV GANGA-5)

The effects of chromium at 0.05,0.1,0.25,0.5 and 1.0 mM on iron, manga nese, zinc and copper in maize (Zea mays L. cv. Ganga 5) were studied in controlled glass house conditions at ambient temperature after 56 d ays growth when plants started showing vein-clearing and papery appear ence in the leaves. No clear pattern of iron concentration and in gene ral, the reductions in manganese, zinc and copper in response to chrom ium supply were observed. In stem and roots, an increase in zinc conce ntration due to chromium was found. Chromium uptake was maximum in roo ts as compared to other plant parts, at 1.0 mM chromium, the uptake wa s significant.