The effects of toxic concentrations of potassium dichromate (K 2 Cr 2 O 7 ) and chromic sulphate (Cr 2 S 3 O 12 ) on the growth and germination of mungbean Phaseolus aureaus L. seedlings are reported. These effects included inhibition of hypocotyl elongation and fresh and dry weight increase in the presence of chromium salts, dichromate being relatively more toxic than chromic sulphate. The activity of catalase, peroxidase, IAA-oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase and dehydrogenase increased in response to chromium addition. This stimulation of enzyme activity was synchronised with a similar increase in soluble protein formation. © 1982.