Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Germination and Growth Characteristics in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Nanotechnology opens a large scope of novel applications in biotechnology and agricultural industries.
Despite the plenty of information available on the toxicity of nanoparticles to plant system, few studies have been
conducted on mechanisms, by which nanoparticles exert their effect on plant growth and development. The present study
was aimed to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) plants. Zinc oxide
nanoparticles has been synthesized by the simple chemical route. Synthesized nanoparticles have been confirmed with Xray diffractometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Different concentration of synthesized zinc oxide
nanoparticles (2000-10,000 ppm) solution were prepared and applied to healthy wheat seeds (variety: lok-1) by soaking
approach. The seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth characteristics were measured by using standard
biophysical techniques and studied. Results of the present study showed enhancement in germination and growth
characteristics in 5 days grown wheat seedlings for control upto 1000 ppm. However, above 1000 ppm, the significant
decrease was observed in these parameters upto 2000 ppm. In addition, shoot length, seedling length, and root dry
matters were affected by nanosized ZnO (~3-5 nm mean particle size) concentrations, significantly. These results indicate
that employing nanosized ZnO in suitable concentration could endorse the seed germination of wheat in comparison to
untreated control. Otherwise high concentrations had inhibitory or any effects on wheat.