Fulvic Acid Mediate Chromium (Cr) Stress In Marigold Genotypes (Tagetes Patula L.) Through Lowering The Cr Uptake And Improving Physiological Processes

Chromium (Cr) is one of the most important non-essential phytotoxic heavy metal for plants. The fulvic acid (FA) alleviate Cr toxicity in marigold genotypes. In this experiment, the soil contaminated with Cr concentration 8 mg kg(-1) was used to grow the marigold genotypes Striped marvel and Inca. The FA 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg L-1 were applied as foliar treatments. The result showed that the FA significantly improve the growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, activities of antioxidative enzymes and reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both genotypes. The Cr in leaves and roots was observed minimum at FA @ 8 mg L-1 applied and maximum where no FA was applied in both marigold genotypes. The FA also reduced the translocation, bioaccumulation, and phytoextraction of Cr. The marigold genotype striped marvel was found tolerant genotype as compared to Inca. It is concluded that the application of FA is one of the best useful solutions for the mitigation of Cr toxicity in marigold genotypes. Thus, the marigold may be grown as an ornamental plant with the foliar application of FA may be used as a sustainable remediation strategy in Cr contaminated soils and also improved the aesthetic environment.