The fractal dimension as a measure of the corn root change to the nickel action

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the treatment with nickel on growth of corn roots (Zea mays L.), using fractal analysis. In order to evaluate the change on root plants we determined the fractal dimension for untreated and treated corn plant roots. Seeds of corn were put into Petri dishes on double filter paper together with two solutions of NiCl2*6H2O and they were kept here for four days. The germinated seeds were planted in soil where they continued to growth. After two weeks the root plants have been collected and the fractal analysis was performed. Our results demonstrated that the fractal structure of corn roots changed after the treatment with nickel. We confirm the fact that Ni2+ is a toxic ion that decreased the plant capacity to develop complex roots and the fractal analysis is a useful method to characterize the structure of plant roots.