Influence of Ascorbic Acid on Early Seedling Growth of Cucumis sativus L. Under Arsenic Induced Stress

Among environmental toxins, arsenic is one of the most dangerous heavy metals which badly affects both flora and fauna. Ascorbic acid is an important molecule that can enhance the stress tolerance ability of plants and prevent oxidative damage. The current study was carried out to evaluate the influence of ascorbic acid on growth and physiology of Cucumis sativus L. under arsenic induced stress. The seeds of Cucumis sativus L. were soaked for two and half hours in the solution of ascorbic acid (100 ppm) before sowing. Ascorbic acid showed positive impact on physiology and phytochemical enhancement of Cucumis sativus L as compared to untreated samples. Amongst all the treatment, application of 100 ppm Ascorbic acid produced fruitful results related to growth of root and shoot, dry and fresh weight of shoot and root, antioxidant and phenolic contents, leaf pigments and seed germination. The physiological parameters of Cucumis sativus L were badly affected by the treatment of arsenic (15 ppm and 25 ppm). The mixture of ascorbic acid and arsenic showed positive effect on physiology of Cucumis sativus L. as low amount of arsenic boosts the antioxidants content up to some level and induces the activity of ascorbic acid. This research study recommends the application of ascorbic acid for the better growth of plants in arsenic polluted soil.