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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp4 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - III

Growth, yield, nutritional quality and nickel accumulation in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) under nickel-amended soil

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10957
Submitted
29 July 2025
Published
01-12-2025

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination is a growing concern for sustainable agriculture and global food security. Among various heavy metals, nickel (Ni) presents a unique challenge due to its dual role in plant physiology-it is essential in trace amounts but becomes toxic when present in excess. This study investigates the effects of different Ni concentrations on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), with a focus on growth performance, yield attributes and nutritional composition. A controlled pot experiment was conducted using five Ni treatments (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg-1) to evaluate plant responses across morphological and biochemical parameters. At a sub-toxic concentration of 50 mg kg-1, Ni significantly improved plant height, stem diameter and enhanced nutritional quality by increasing protein, starch and total carbohydrate contents suggesting a beneficial role in metabolic and physiological processes. However, exposures to higher Ni concentrations (≥100 mg kg-1) led to notable reductions in growth and yield parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, tuber diameter, fresh tuber weight, etc., along with increased accumulation of Ni in edible tissues. This not only impairs plant development but also poses serious risks to food safety and human health. The findings highlight the balance between Ni’s essentiality and toxicity. While low-level Ni exposure enhances agronomic benefits, the results underscore the critical need for monitoring and regulating heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils to ensure sustainable cassava production and protect consumer health.

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