Effects of Iron Nanoparticles on Seed Germination of Bean Genotypes

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of iron nano-particles on the germination of seeds of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) genotypes, this study was conducted in two experiments as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the first experiment, the seeds of bean genotypes (Sunray, Valentino, KS10072, and KS10008) were primed with iron nano-particles (magnetic, green, and chemical) and then the traits related to seed germination were investigated. In the second experiment, seeds obtained from mother plants that were treated with iron nano-particles in the field were subjected to germination and traits related to seed germination were evaluated. The results of the first experiment showed that genotypes had significant differences in pedicle length and fresh weight, also nano-priming of iron particles had a significant effect on seed germination percentage, radicle fresh weight, and radicle and pedicle lengths. Nano-priming with green iron particles had the greatest effect on radicle fresh weight, and radicle and pedicle lengths, while nano-priming of magnetic iron particles had the greatest effect on seed germination percentage. In the second experiment, the highest radicle length and pedicle fresh weight were obtained in the treatment of green iron nano-particles and the highest radicle fresh weight and pedicle dry weight were obtained in the treatment of magnetic iron nano-particles. The lowest germination percentage was obtained from control treatment in both experiments. According to the results of this study, green and magnetic iron nanoparticles can be used to increase germination percentage and thus improve bean seedling establishment.