EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ON GENOTOXICITY SYSTEM OF Vicia Faba L. PLANT UNDER CADMIUM AND LEAD STRESS

The impact of pollution by metallic elements on vegetation is a major issue these days. In this context, we propose to study the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in the model legume species, faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Our aim is to clarify the mechanisms involved in the effects of ascorbic acid enhancement (0.5 and 1 mg/1) on micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations in faba bean plants grown under different concentrations of Pb (0 and 25 μmol/l) and Cd (0 and 150 μmol/l). Heavy metal stress leads to an increase in micronucleus formation and chromosomal aberrations.The addition of ascorbic acid to the nutrient solution induces a significant improvement in antioxidant activities and helps to reduce oxidative damage by developing tolerance to heavy metal stress in ascorbic acid-treated faba bean plants.