|
|
Article: Mercury Toxicity in Plants.
- Article from:
- The Botanical Review
- Article date:
- July 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 New York Botanical Garden. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
I. Abstract
Mercury poisoning has become a problem of current interest as a result of environmental pollution on a global scale. Natural emissions of mercury form two-thirds of the input; manmade releases form about one-third. Considerable amounts of mercury may be added to agricultural land with sludge, fertilizers, lime, and manures. The most important sources of contaminating agricultural soil have been the use of organic mercurials as a seed-coat dressing to prevent fungal diseases in seeds. In general, the effect of treatment on germination is favorable when recommended dosages are used. Injury to the seed increases in direct proportion to increasing rates ...