This research explored the suppressive impact of metallic elements of considerable weight, specifically copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), on the unfettered mass of seedlings from the Raphanus sativus cultivar Pusa rashmi. The findings revealed that as the levels of metallic elements escalated, there was a notable decline in the mass of seedlings. At the minimum concentration (10 ppm), the mass of seedlings was 0.26 g/seedling (Cu), 0.24 g/seedling (Cd), 0.26 g/seedling (Pb), 0.27 g/seedling (Ni) and 0.28 g/seedling (Zn). Nevertheless, when subjected to a higher concentration (500 ppm) of metallic elements, the unfettered mass experienced a significant decrease, ranging from 0.08 g/seedling (Cd) to 0.19 g/seedling (Ni), compared to the control that displayed as 0.20-0.27 g/seedling. Statistical analysis unveiled highly significant disparities between the reference and treatment groups, as well as among the diverse treatments of metallic elements. However, no significant dissimilarities were observed among the various chemicals themselves. Within the Pusa rashmi cultivar, cadmium emerged as the most detrimental metallic element concerning the unfettered mass of seedlings. The decline in seedling unfettered mass can be attributed to a reduction in the number of cells and the inhibition of root and shoot elongation caused by elevated levels of metallic elements. Moreover, the toxicity of metallic elements might impede the thickening of cell walls in roots and shoots, leading to a decrease in seedling unfettered mass. Prior investigations on pigeon pea, soybean, Vigna radiata, and Sorghum bicolour have also reported analogous decreases in seedling mass as a consequence of exposure to metallic elements.

Keywords: Fresh Weight, Seedlings, Heavy Metals, Cultivar Pusa rashmi, Control conditions, Petri Dishes.