Effects of Copper Sulphate on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Cicer arietinum

Abstract

The present research uses scientific methods to investigate the role of copper sulphate in the growth and germination of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) plants. The present research shows that certain concentrations of copper sulphate act as a nutrient while certain concentrations act as a poison for the plant. In the present experiment, it has also been found that all concentrations of copper sulphate have effects on the germination and growth of chickpea seeds, but its effect is observed only to a certain extent after seed germination. The present research has found that a concentration of 50 µM copper sulphate is ideal for early chickpea seedlings or seed germination. The concentration of 50 µM copper sulphate makes an unprecedented contribution to the growth and elongation of both roots and shoots. This research has shown that copper sulphate at a concentration of 50 µM has a positive effect on germination and plant growth, which plays a role as an important cofactor to produce enzymes required for important metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and lignin formation in cell walls in plants. Conversely, the present study provided clear evidence of copper's dose-dependent toxicity. Concentrations exceeding this optimal level specifically at 100, 200, and 500 µM which led to a progressive and significant reduction in both shoot and root lengths. This severe growth inhibition is a direct result of copper's ability to generate reactive oxygen species, which induces oxidative stress, damages cellular components, and interferes with nutrient uptake, particularly in the sensitive root tissues. These findings underscore the critical importance of a precise balance in copper fertilization for sustainable agriculture, aiming to maximize chickpea (Cicer arietinum) yield while avoiding the detrimental effects of heavy metal toxicity.