RT Journal
T1 BIO-AGRONOMIC AND REMEDIAL IMPACT OF VERMICOMPOST ON GERMINATION AND PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF MAIZE SEEDLINGS UNDER Pb TOXICITY
A1 Hafeez ur Rehman
A1 Athar Mahmood
A1 Muhammad Shahbaz
A1 Zubair Aslam
JF Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
JO JAPS
SN 1018-7081
VO 36
IS 5
YR 2026
FD 2026
DO DOI https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2026.5.0118
AB <p class="MsoNormal" dir="LTR" style="text-align: justify;">Lead (Pb) contamination in the environment poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Effective management strategies are crucial for mitigating its impact. Maize (<em>Zea mays</em>&nbsp;L.) is a major cereal crop cultivated globally and threatened by Pb toxicity. This study was conducted (a two factorial experiment under CRD) to examine the impact of vermicompost (VC) application (0, 4, 6 and 8 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>) on growth and physio-biochemical indicators of maize seedlings under four Pb levels (control, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg<sup>-1</sup>&nbsp;soil). A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of VC treatment on maize growth. The addition of VC mainly 8 tons ha<sup>-1&nbsp;</sup>improved maize seedling emergence by increasing the germination rate. Electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) were increased by 113.81%, 268.15%, and 1.97%, respectively, under Pb stress (300 mg kg<sup>-1</sup>&nbsp;soil Pb). In comparison with the control, the application of VC (4&lt;6&lt;8 tons ha<sup>-1</sup>)<sup>&nbsp;</sup>improved the photosynthetic attributes of Chl. a, b, and carotenoid content (13.52%, 19.08% and 15.55%) and relative water content (RWC) by 17.73%, respectively. Soil amended with VC reduced oxidative damage resulting from lead-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species by decreasing H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and MDA levels and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. The application of VC also significantly improved maize yield indices. Overall, the addition of VC enhanced maize growth, alleviated Pb toxicity, and offered a practical strategy for managing Pb-contaminated soils. Collectively, the results demonstrate that VC is an effective organic amendment for mitigating Pb toxicity and promoting sustainable maize production in contaminated agroecosystems.</p>
K1 Vermicompost, Bio-agronomic potential, Germination rate, Boosted antioxidants, Enhanced productivity
PB Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum
LK https://thejaps.org.pk/AbstractView.aspx?mid=2026-JAPS-87