An Account of Nickel Requirement, Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Plants

Author: Nandini Yadav and Samir Sharma

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Abstract

Nickel, heavy metal is an essential micronutrient for plants but its requirement is very low. Various anthropogenic activities have contributed to the toxic level of nickel in air, water and food. Through scientific studies, nickel toxicity now has been recognized as a primary growth-limiting factor in plants which results in reduced plant growth and development. Nickel hyperaccumulative plants have been reported presence of resistance against herbivores and pathogens but it cannot justify the overall environmental damage due to nickel toxicity. To overcome the nickel induced environmental pollution, its role in the environment and toxic effect are essential to understand. The objective of this paper is to cover the occurrence and sources of Nickel, its dimension from essential to toxic and its toxicity implications, leading to oxidative stress in plants.

Keywords

Heavy metal, Hyperaccumulative plants, Environmental damage, Oxidative stress

Conclusion

Scientific studies have observed that nickel mediate toxicity in plant by competition with other metal ions or form chelate complexes with metal ligands. Consequences of nickel toxicity include deficiency of other metal ions and retarded seed germination, disruption of cell structure and wilting, ROS induction, metabolic disruption and ultimately growth inhibition and reduction in yields. To overcome nickel induced environmental damage, its sequestration from soil and water is required. More research in the area of nickel hyperaccumulative plants is needed so that nickel can be removed phytoremedically from the polluted sites.

References

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How to cite this article

Nandini Yadav and Samir Sharma (2016). An Account of Nickel Requirement, Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Plants, Biological Forum – An International Journal 8(1): 414-419.