Effect of Nickel on the Content of Carbohydrate and Some Minerals in Corn and Broad Bean Plants

Abstract

In a pot experiment, seeds of corn and broad beans were planted in sandy soil, after soaking in different levels ofNi (as Ni-sulphate) ranged between 25 and 400 ppm. Germination percentage of broad beans seeds soaked in high levels of Ni showed an extreme decline. On the other hand, germination of corn were not particularly affected. Lower levels ofNi induced a considerable increase in the dry matter, carbohydrate content and some minerals-(Fe, Mn, Zn) in corn. These tested parameters were reduced with increasing nickel concentration in the soaking solution. On the other hand, the tested parameters were generally reduced in case of faba beans, and reduction was more pronounced on higher nickel levels.