Effects of chromium, nickel and chromium-nickel interactions on germination and early seedling development in Triticum aestivum L. cv. Basribey-95 and guadalupe

In the present study, effects of Cr, Ni and Cr+Ni interactions on seed germination of bread wheat varieties Basribey-95 and Guadalupe and some biochemical changes in their seedling roots and shoots were determined. The seed germination did not significantly change in 25 and 50 µM Cr, Ni and Cr+Ni applicatios. However,the seed germination of wheat seed germinations were significantly inhibited by 100 µM Cr, Ni and Cr+Ni applicatios of both variesties, exception of 100 µM in Guadalupe. Root and shoot developments were adversely affected by high concentrations and combinations. Concentration-dependant decreases in protein contents of roots and shoots were found. Cr, Ni and Cr+Ni applicatios induced oxidative stress in roots and shoots demonstrating by evaluated quantitatively with malondialdehyde and by observed qualitatively a histochemical method as well. Concentration-dependant increases in proline contents of both roots and shoots were generally determined.