Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fluoride (F) is one of the main environmental pollutants, and high concentrations are commonly detected in the air and in both surface and groundwater. However, the effects of this pollutant on seed germination and on the initial growth of crop seedlings are still poorly understood. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess morphoanatomical, physiological and biochemical fluoride effect indicators in Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds and seedlings. METHODS: P. vulgaris seeds were exposed to a liquid potassium fluoride solution (KF, pH 6.0) at concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 mg L(-1) for 7 days. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of four treatments with four replications each. During the experimental period, physiological (7 days) anatomical and histochemical (2 days), biochemical and chemical (4 days) assessments. An analysis of variance was performed followed by Dunnett's test. to determine significant differences between the KF-exposed groups and control seeds; and a multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The germination parameters, and anatomical, morphological, physiological, biochemical and nutritional characteristics of the seedlings did not show negative effects from exposure to KF at the lowest doses evaluated. On the other hand, treatment with the highest dose of KF (30 mg L(-1)) resulted in a lower germination rate index and increase in abnormal seedlings, and higher electrical conductivity. A lower root length, magnesium content and photochemical efficiency were also observed. The exposure of P. vulgaris to KF, regardless the dose did not affect seeds anatomy and the accumulation of starch and proteins, in relation to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that P. vulgaris seedlings were tolerant to KF solutions up to 20 mg L(-1), and sensitive when exposed to 30 mg KF L(-1).