Microbe-Mediated Impact on Cell Membrane Stability and Leaf Pigmentation in Pearl Millet under Toxic Mercury Stress in Soil

Abstract

Pearl millet, Pennisetum glacum treated with Mycorrhiza, Rhizobium, and Trichoderma microbes, could grow in highly contaminated mercury soil. Microbe-mediated tolerance of this plant and the mechanism involved was studied after growing pearl millet in 100 ppm of mercury-contaminated soil for 120 days. The different parameters analyzed were associated with photosynthesis and the stability of the cell membrane. Mercury contamination led to the inhibition of growth in the leaves and reduced photosynthesis and membrane stability. The defensive mechanism of P. glacum under mercury stress was aided by Mycorrhiza, Rhizobium, and Trichoderma and Hg-related toxicity in the soil was averted. Photosynthetic parameters such as chlorophyll a b, carotenoids, and anthocyanin were quantified. The stability and injury of the cell membrane were measured. The results showed a significant role of microbes in improving the tolerance of P. glacum against metal stress in the soil.. KEYWORDS :Antioxidants, Chlorophyll, Mycorrhiza, Pearl millet, Trichoderma, Rhizobium

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