This study investigated the inhibitory effect of heavy metals, namely copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), on the fresh weight of seedlings of the Raphanus sativus cultivar Pusa chetki. The findings indicated that as the levels of heavy metals rose, there was a noteworthy reduction in the fresh weight of seedlings. At the lowest concentration (10 ppm), the fresh weight of seedlings ranged from 0.23 g/seedling (Pb) to 0.27 g/seedling (Ni). However, when treated with a higher concentration (500 ppm) of heavy metals, the fresh weight decreased significantly to values ranging from 0.07 g/seedling (Cd) to 0.14 g/seedling (Ni) compared to the control group, which exhibited a fresh weight of 0.26-0.28 g/seedling. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences between the control and treatment groups, as well as among the different heavy metal treatments. However, no significant differences were observed among the various chemicals themselves. In the Pusa chetki cultivar, cadmium was recognized as the most harmful heavy metal to the seedlings' fresh weight. The reduction in seedling fresh weight may be attributed to a decrease in cell number and inhibition of root and shoot elongation caused by higher levels of heavy metals. Additionally, heavy metal toxicity may inhibit the thickening of cell walls in roots and shoots, leading to a decrease in seedling fresh weight. Previous studies on pigeon pea, soybean, Vigna radiata, and Sorghum bicolor have also reported similar reductions in seedling fresh weight due to heavy metal exposure.

Keywords: Fresh Weight of Seedling, Heavy Metals, Cultivar Pusa chetki, Treatments, Statistical Analysis, Laboratory Experiments, Petri Dish.

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