Effect of nickel toxicity on growth, photosynthetic pigments and dry matter yield of Cicer arietinum L. varieties

Effects of nickel toxicity on photosynthetic pigments and dry matter yield of Cicer arietinum L. (Chickpea) varieties were observed. Nickel as NiCl2 was applied to the soil in solution form @ 0mgL(-1)(Control), 25mg L-1, 50mg L-1, 100mg L-1 and 150mg L-1. All the treatments were replicated six times. Experiment was laid down in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two factor-factorial arrangement. A significant decrease in growth, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents was observed with increasing concentrations of nickel application. A similar decreasing trend was also noted for dry matter yield of the plants which may be attributed to decreased pigment contents and decreased photosynthetic activity. Chickpea was found to be an indicator of nickel toxicity showing its inhibitory effects on various growth and biochemical parameters.