Genotype-Dependent Differential Response of Cereal Germinating Seeds Against Trinitrotoluene

Land mines are one of the tragic problems to human security in many countries. Among many techniques suggested detecting landmines, plant-based detectors can be used as a reliable tool for unexploded ordnance detection. This study was conducted to determine different concentrations effect of trinitrotoluene (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 and 60 ppm) on germination and early seedling growth of 6 species of cereals including Barley, Wheat, Durum wheat, Oat, Rye and Triticale. In contrast to oat and durum, barley and wheat genotypes had the best germination and germination index against different trinitrotoluene (TNT) concentrations. TNT showed no impact on the alpha amylase activity of the tolerant (Barley var. Bahman) and susceptible (Durum wheat) genotypes. Under higher TNT concentration, barley had the highest root length and root number and also was the best in dry matter allocation towards root tissues. We measured the different parameters for roots of 6 species of cereals, that oat was sensitive plant when exposed to TNT than others. With emphasis on the wide-range adaptation of cereals to climate and soil characteristics and their extensive and fibrous root systems, it is suggested that barley genotypes especially Bahman variety can be a confident plant to carry the essential genetic structure for explosive detection.