Growth Response of Wheat to Titania Nanoparticles Application

Abstract

Advancement in nanotechnology and its impacts have raised concerns about the application of engineered nano-materialsin agriculture and environment, especially on plants. In this work, the effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) were investigated on growth of wheat plant ( Triticum aestivum ). Main emphasis was on to evaluate the effects of TiO 2 NPs on plant’s morphological parameters like root, shoot length and biomass. The seeds of wheat were sowed in soil containing different concentrations of TiO 2 NPs i.e. 0, 20,40,60,80,100 mg/kg. There were four replicates for each treatment. A random block design was used to carry out the experiments in a green-house constructed at IESE, NUST Islamabad, Pakistan. The SEM-EDX analysis was performed to observe the uptake of TiO 2 NPs by the wheat plants. The results showed that root, shoot length and biomass were significantly affected by TiO 2 NPs treatments. An increase in the plant’s root and shoot length and, biomass was observed till 60 mg/kg of TiO 2 NPs. Higher concentrations of TiO 2 NPs have not only affectedthe length of roots and shoots but also has reduced its biomass. The results of this study strongly recommend to further investigate the possible consequences and impacts of applying NPs on other agricultural crops as well.