Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Effects of mercury (HgCl2) stress on shoot growth and stem anatomy of Mentha spicata L.
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Research Articles | Published: 17 July, 2026
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Keywords: Mercury toxicity, n Mentha spicatan , Sand culture, Stem anatomy, Heavy metals
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination adversely affects plant growth and anatomical development and poses risks for medicinal and aromatic plants. This study evaluated the effects of HgCl2 concentrations (0–3 mg/L) on shoot growth, biomass production, mercury accumulation in stems, and stem tissues of Mentha spicata L. grown under sand culture conditions. The experiment was conducted for 60 days in a randomized block design with five replicates. Increasing Hg concentrations significantly reduced stem length, stem area, number of branches and leaves, and fresh and dry biomass. Decreases were also observed in cortex + epidermis, phloem + cambium, pith, xylem and mean xylem vessel lumen areas, with the strongest inhibition at 2.5 and 3 mg/L. In contrast, mercury accumulation in stems increased with increasing Hg concentrations. These findings indicate that Hg exposure induces concentration-dependent reductions in shoot growth and stem tissue development in M. spicata and may pose risks to product safety in medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation.
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Author Information
Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Kagizman Vocational School, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey