Nanomagnetite and Chitosan Affect Seed Germination and Growth of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Abstract

Iron deficiency is one of the limiting factors of plant growth. In recent years nanotechnology has attracted attention to producing forms of iron that are available to plants. Chitosan, which is widely used in agriculture due to its unique properties, has metal-binding abilities. We decided to study nanomagnetite and chitosan's combined action to improve seed germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The thumbnail method was used in the study. The seeds were treated with magnetite suspension and chitosan solutions before planting. An increase in plant growth, root, and shoot length of plants was found in all seed treatment methods (chitosan, nanomagnetite, and combined action). This increase was significantly dependent on the concentration of chitosan. However, chitosan and magnetite combination was 1.3 times more effective for seed germination than pure chitosan or magnetite. A mechanism based on chitosan's ability to promote the better transfer of iron ions to plants is proposed. However, further investigation for the optimization of chitosan/magnetite proportions for improving seed growth is required.