Investigation of Accumulation and Distribution of Chromium (Cr) Element Among Plant Organs in Red Pepper

Abstract

This study was carried out in the greenhouses of Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University (KSU) Faculty of Agriculture in order to determine the accumulation and distribution of chromium (Cr) element in plant organs in red pepper. In the research, seedlings of the "Maraş-1" red pepper variety obtained from the Doğu Akdeniz Geçit Kuşağı Agricultural Research Institute were used. The study (5 doses Cr element x 3 replications) was established according to a randomized plot design and was carried out for 2 years in 2017-2018. The administered chromium (Cr) doses are 0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 mg kg^-1. At the end of the vegetation period (160 days), Cr concentration was measured in the root, stem, leaf, fruit flesh and seeds of the plant to determine the accumulation in the plant. In addition, the Cr concentration remaining in the soil after harvest was determined by the DTPA (Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid) method. In the average results of chromium application in 2017 and 2018, the accumulation (mg kg^-1) in all plant organs (root, stem, leaf, fruit flesh, seed) was found to be statistically very significant (p<0.01). In treatment of the highest two doses of 60 and 120 mg kg-1 Cr, fruit set did not occur in the pepper plant. Cr in the soil accumulated mainly in the roots of the plant, but transferred to other organs (root>stem>leaf>seed>fruit pulp). The Cr concentration in the fruit flesh and seed, which is the consumed part of the plant, exceeded the permissible limit value (WHO) at all applied doses.