Resource allocation in dormant corms of crocus sativus L. and their heavy metal analysis

Objective; This study was conducted to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and saffron corms which have further impacts on various growth parameters. Soil and plant samples were collected during dormant phase from different locations in Kashmir India, and analyzed for Hg, Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu and Fe. Methods; All the heavy metals were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). For resource allocation fresh and dry biomass was estimated. Results; The concentrations of Hg, Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu and Fe exceeded their respective permissible limits in soil and plant samples. Significant variation was found in fresh and dry biomass of samples. Conclusion; The metal contents in the samples were found comparatively higher at pollution site thus has significant variation in resource allocation.