Toxic trace elements effects on seed germination of four Brazilian Savanna tree species

The toxic effects of arsenic (0, 10, 50, 100 mg L⁻¹), cadmium (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.7, 1.1 mg L⁻¹) and zinc (0, 50, 80, 120, 200 mg L⁻¹) on seed germination of four Brazilian Savanna tree species (Anadenanthera peregrina, Cecropia hololeuca, Handroantrus serratifolius, and Myracrodruon urundeuva) was studied. Seeds of the different species varied in their ability to germinate under trace element stress. The deleterious effects of As were notable. We verified a possible As-tolerance of M. urundeuva seeds at concentrations up to 10 mg L⁻¹ and, unlike the other species tested, seeds of this plant were highly sensitive to Cd. Zn had negative effects on seed germination even at low doses, except for A. peregrina. Germination induction at the highest Cd doses and with 50 mg L⁻¹ Zn was observed in C. hololeuca and A. peregrina seeds, respectively.