Environmental contamination by heavy metals like nickel (Ni) adversely affects plant growth by interfering with essential cellular processes. The present study examines nickel's cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on Pisum sativum L., an important leguminous crop. Germinating seeds of Pisum sativum were treated with varying concentrations of nickel chloride (75 ppm, 100 ppm, and 125 ppm). Root tips were subjected to cytological analysis using standard squash techniques to assess the mitotic index and chromosomal behaviour. Nickel treatment significantly reduced the mitotic index and induced a range of chromosomal abnormalities, including stickiness, bridges, laggards, and disturbed metaphases and anaphases. These effects were more pronounced at higher concentrations. The study demonstrates that nickel toxicity disrupts normal mitotic processes and induces chromosomal aberrations in Pisum sativum, suggesting potential risks to crop development and genetic stability in nickel-contaminated soils.
nickel chloride, chromosomal behavior, stickiness, bridges, laggards
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