Effects of nickel on growth and the reproductive organs of Vicia faba plants

Abstract

High concentration of nickel (Ni) could provoke numerous toxic effects in plant tissues. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of nickel (Ni) treatment on agronomic and production parameters of bean plants (Vicia faba). For that, plants were treated with four increasing concentrations of Ni: control: 0 mg/kg, C1: 150 mg/kg, C2: 250 mg/kg, and C3: 500 mg/kg. The effects of these Ni concentrations on growth, dry matter, pollen germination and viability, flower number and yield per plant were determined in bean plants. Our data demonstrated that Ni caused threats to plant growth and development. Also, our results showed a substantial reduction of pollen germination and viability in different concentrations of Ni loads. Furthermore, a clear negative effect of nickel was observed in fruit weight and seed set. Our study must be carefully considered in view of soil contamination and its subsequence effect on crop production.