Research regarding the germination process in Ocimum basilicum L. in an experimental environment

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Article Title:	Research regarding the germination process in Ocimum basilicum L. in an experimental environment
Authors:	Claudia Padurariu*, Marian Burducea, Maria-Magdalena Zamfirache, Ramona Gales, Lacramioara Ivanescu, Constantin Toma
Affiliation:	„Al. I. Cuza” University, Iassi, Romania, Faculty of Biology, Department of Plant Biology
Abstract:	The tolerance of lead in some varieties of Ocimum basilicum L. has been investigated using seed germination and plant growth bioassays. The aim of this paper is to test the ability of their seeds to germinate and their seedlings to develop in a heavy metal contaminated environment. In the investigated species, seed germination and seedling development were affected by the tested concentrations of lead solutions (100 mg/l, 300 mg/l and 500 mg/l), the critical concentration of lead in the soil being 100 mg/l. The tested lead solutions had inhibitory effect on seedling growth in Ocimum basilicum, as compared to the control. Inhibition was observed on the root and hypocotyl lengths.
Keywords:	medicinal plant, lead, seed germination, Ocimum basilicum
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*Correspondence:	Pădurariu Claudia., Universitatea „Al. I Cuza” Iaşi, Facultatea de Biologie, Departamentul de Biologie Vegetală, Bl. Carol I 2A, Iaşi, România, e-mail: claudia.padurariu@yahoo.com