Abstract
Nickel (Ni) contamination in soil is a widespread problem in this era of industrial development. Plant cultivars respond differentially to Ni contamination in soil. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of different Ni levels to the growth and mineral status of two wheat cultivars (Sehar-2006 and LU-26). Five different levels of Ni as NiSO(4)4H(2)O (0, 30, 45, 60, and 75mgkg(-1)) were applied to soil in the pots. LU-26 performed better compared to Sehar-2006 in terms of dry weight production and physiological parameters. LU-26 contained higher Ni in roots compared to Sehar-2006, but the Ni concentration in shoots of both the cultivars was similar. LU-26 translocated less Ni toward the shoot compared to Sehar-2006 indicating the exclusion of Ni from shoots and retaining it in roots by LU-26 as evident from bioconcentration and translocation factors. Contradictly, Sehar-2006 translocated more Ni from root to shoot indicating its tolerance to Ni. Ni increased manganese (Mn) in shoots of Sehar-2006 and LU-26 up to 60 and 30mgkg(-1), respectively. Ni decreased copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration in shoots of both cultivars, however Zn concentration in roots increased at all levels of Ni. LU-26 excluded Ni from shoots and Sehar-2006 accumulated Ni in shoots. The present study helps in understanding the process of metal uptake and distribution during the early growth stages of the plant and can signify overall potential of a crop for its exploitation on contaminated soils.