17555

Impact of Automobile Emissions on the Productivity of Crocus sativus L.

371

376

6

Effect of automobile pollution on the productivity ofCroclis sativus was studied for one year time period (October 2005-April 2006). The parameters which were analyzed viz total chlorophyll,carotenoids, leafarea, plant height, corm size, cormweight,corm yield,biomass,flower production, and.length of stigma and style, showed a remarkable decrease as compared to control. Total chlorophyll ,carotenoids and leaf area decreased byapproximately40%, plant height by36%, freshbiomassby33%, dried biomassby25%, cormyield by29%,cormnumberby32%, corm size by 33%,flower production by 33%,length ofstigma+style by23%,fresh weight of flower by 15%and dried weight offlower by 14% respectively.

1201477