International Science and Technology Journal

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nickel sulphate on the germination and growth of Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgairs L. plants at concentrations of (50, 100, and 150 micromoles). Results indicated that there is a difference in the degree of resistance of both Hordeum vulgairs L. and Triticum aestivum L. to the applied concentrations. The increased concentration of nickel sulphate in the irrigation water led to a decrease in the germination ratio on both plants, which showed almost same response to the concentration of 50μmol of used heavy metal and both seeds germinated at the same rate. However, at higher concentrations, the germination percentage of both plants differed according to their response to nickel sulphate. For example, at 150 micromoles, the germination percentage of Triticum aestivum L. was only 13% compared to 37% showed by Hordeum vulgairs L., indicating that the plants differ in their resistance to the heavy metals toxicity Moreover, it was found that there is an inverse relationship between the concentration of nickel sulphate and the length of both plants, especially at a concentration of 150 micromoles. In addition, the increase in the concentration of nickel sulphate in irrigation water resulted in a decrease in the wet and dry weight of both the stems and roots of both plants, especially at higher concentrations (150 μmol). Generally, it can be concluded that the high concentrations of nickel sulphate have obvious effects on the germination and growth of both Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgairs L. seeds. These effects are more obvious on the germination and growth of the Triticum aestivum L. seeds. This can reflect the genetic characteristics of each plant.