EFFECT ON GROWTH PARAMETERS OF BRINJAL (SOLANUM MELONGENA L.) AFTER EXPOSURE OF CEMENT DUST

Abstract

The effect of cement dust on the growth parameters of brinjal (Solanum melongena) was studied. The cement dust (2 g/plant) exhibited both inhibitory and promotory effects on different growth parameters of the S. melongena. The decrease in the number of leaves (37.19 and 62.28%), leaf area (57.93 and 57.26%), root length (48.21 and 56.75%), shoot length (27.27 and 38.98%), plant circumference (31.56 and 54.93%), dry weight of leaves (60.06 and 76.95%), dry weight of plant (56.65 and 85%), root/shoot length ratio (28.54 and 32.19%), specific leaf weight (5.55 and 46.43%) and an increase in specific leaf area (-4.32 and -85.75%) in cement dust treated plants. However, leaf area ratio (3.33%) and leaf weight ratio (7.52%) decreased after 45 days of seedling growth as compared to control.  But, after 65 days of seedling growth, leaf weight ratio (-53.66%) and leaf area ratio (-185.42%) were increased as compared to control.