EFFECTS OF NICKEL AND ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE ON THE GROWTH AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF CHICKPEA

Abstract

Single and joint effects of Meloidogyne javanica and nickel as NiCl[sub2] (10, 50, 100 and 200 ppm) were studied on the plant growth, flowering, fruit-setting, seed protein and root nodulation on chickpea. Nickel at 100 and 200 ppm caused pigmentation of leaf margins and significantly suppressed plant growth, seed protein and nodulation. The nematode also caused similar negative effects. The infected and treated plants developed more Ni injury (at all concentrations) and root galling (at 50 ppm). Egg mass production and fecundity, however, decreased in the treated plants (except 10 ppm). A synergistic relationship between M. javanica and Ni (50 ppm) was apparent resulting in a greater suppression of the variables considered. Ni at 200 ppm reduced the negative effect of the nematode.