Hydroponically exposed lead nitrate influenced growth, antioxidant and oxidative dynamics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals affecting plant growth and development. Lead toxicity causes serious damage to plants, ranging from seed germination to productivity. Given this, the present study documents the significant reduction in morphological and biochemical parameters of cucumber treated hydroponically with 150, 250 and 500 µM of lead nitrate. The morphological parameters of cucumber, shoot-root elongation, and fresh weight were considerably decreased with an increase in the lead nitrate concentration. Likewise, the biochemical parameters of lead nitrate treated cucumber were significantly reduced than non-treated control plants. However, the stressed cucumber showed enhanced non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant parameters but were not able to regulate the oxidative stress. The present study, thus indicates the need of exploring sustainable solutions for agricultural productivity to target the abiotic stress.