Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Basil under Arsenic Toxicity

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 10 and 20 mM) on growth, fresh and dry weight of basil under different levels of arsenic (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg.kg-1 of soil) in pots. The experiment was factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. It was carried out in greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol. All growth characteristics, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots and photosynthetic pigments of plants treated with arsenic decreased. Application of ascorbic acid, especially at concentration of 20 mM, could increase the amount and activity of photosynthetic pigments in basil which resulted, in reducing the negative effects of arsenic and an increase on leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoot as compared with those of control (non-application of ascorbic acid). Foliar application of ascorbic acid did not have significant effect on plant height, fresh and dry weight of roots and leaves as compared with those of the control.