Effect of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) on the growth and physiology of Triticum aestivum plants during early seedling growth

The effects of various concentrations of different chromium compounds (Cr I II and Cr VI) on the growth, biochemical and physiological characteristics as well as chemical composition of Triticum aestivum L. plants during early seedling growth were studied. Root and shoot length, fresh as well as dry weight and chlorophyll concentration decreased while the content of soluble proteins and total phenols increased wish increasing concentrations of all chromium compounds. An increase in content of leaf soluble proteins could serve for indication of chromium-stress. The relative toxicity of Cr (VI) w as higher than that of Cr (III).