Investigating the effect of lead on some growth parameters in eight corn (Zea mays L.) cultivars in a calcareous soil

Nowadays soil contamination with heavy metals is considered as one of the most serious environmental concerns. Among the heavy metals, lead due to inverse impacts on human health and substantial environmental problems causes major concern.This study was carried out with the aim of assessing the ability of different corn cultivars in a greenhouse condition for the accumulation of lead metal. Treatments included four lead levels (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg Pb.kg-1) and eight varieties of maize (260, 301, 302, 370, 500, 604, 647, and 704), and were tested in a factorial experiment in completely randomized design with three replicates. According to the obtained results, dry weight of shoot and root decreased with increase of lead-chloride concentration in the soil. Moreover, it was observed that in most varieties (except for 260), the lead-chloride (especially for 400 mg/kg) caused in reducing the shoot height and root length compared to the control treatment.The results showed that the amount of lead accumulated in the roots was more than shoots, and with increase of lead levels in the soil, concentration of lead in the plant tissues (roots and shoots) were significantly increased (P