Growth of maize seedlings affected by different concentrations of heavy metals

L. cv. ‘Krasnodarskij 167’) seedlings was examined. Seedling growthwas tested under physiological and sublethal doses of HM, including Pb,Cu, Ni and Zn. Physiological 10–100 mM doses stimulated the growth ofyoung plants, while 1–5 µM induced suppression of growth processes andbiomass accumulation (especially for roots) as well as reduction of leafarea and water disbalance. The extent of such effect depended on thechemical nature and concentration of a heavy metal.