Effect of Ascorbate Foliar Application on Yield and Some Physiological Traits of Green Bean Subjected to Lead and Nickel Foliar Absorption

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The heavy metals are as important environmental pollutants which are originated from industrial and agricultural activities. Lead and nickel are such pollutants with detrimental effects on living organisms like plants. For this purpose, a factorial field experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Shahrood University to evaluate the effects of heavy metals (present in acid rain) on green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and the reduction of injuries by ascorbate foliar application. Treatments were three levels of nickel (0, 200 and 400 mM) as the first factor, three levels of lead (0, 200 and 400 mM) as the second factor and two levels of ascorbate foliar application (0 and 20 mM) as the third factor. Results showed that high lead concentration (400 mM) without ascorbate increased 3% in the leaf relative water content. Nickel and lead caused to increase in chlorophylls and decrease in carotenoid content, protein and pod yield. Ascorbate foliar application improved 23% in carotenoids, 34% in protein yield, leaf area index and improved 9% in pod yield. Generally, according to the results, it can be inferred that foliar application of ascorbate in plants exposed to acid rain containing heavy metals especially nickel, can reduce the damages to plants and even causes to produce more healthier food.

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