International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 13 2 2024 05 10 The effects of heavy metals on seed germination and growth of the plant Brassica nigra L. 16 20 EN Srivastav Aditi 1 Department of Biotechnology, Rama University, Kanpur, UP, India Pandey Chitranshu 2 R & D Division, MRD Life sciences Pvt. Ltd. Lucknow, UP, India Sharma Pallavi 3 R & D Division, Somics Life sciences Pvt. Ltd. Bareilly, UP, India D.V. Hande 1 Dept. of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria S.A. Shelke 2 Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nigeria Mahapatra Bingshati Singha 1 Department of Botany, Bankura University, Bankura, West Bengal, India Maji Samir Kumar 2 Department of Chemistry, Ramananda College, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal, India Mallick Shyamal Kanti 3 Department of Botany, Ramananda College, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal, India > Research Paper 2024 1 19 2024 05 10 Toxicity of heavy metals is the major abiotic stress causing harmful effects on seed germination and plant growth. The aim of this present study is to reveal the effects of the heavy metals Zn and Pb on germination and growth behaviour of Brassica nigra L.. Different concentrations of Zn and Pb were used during experiment to understand their effects on seed germination as well as plant growth behaviour. Shoot length and root length of plants, viability of seeds decreased with the increased concentration of those heavy metals. In higher concentrations the seed germination and plant growth were significantly affected by Zn and Pb. Although the lower concentration of Zn helps to perform various important physiological functions such as promotion of the shoot growth but higher doses of Zn may be fatal. Pb can strongly inhibits seed germination, plant growth, seedling development and chlorophyll content with its higher concentrations. Copyright@ International Science Community Association