Pretreatment of maize seeds with different magnesium nanoparticles improves the germinating performance and storability

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with simple or coated nanoparticle and concentrations on storage time and the germination parameters in corn seeds. The treatments composed of three magnesium sources, magnesium oxide nanoparticles and nanoparticles in the form of (MgO NPs), magnesium carbon oxide core-shell nanoparticles (MgO@C NPs) and magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO3)2]. Six concentrations 0 (control) 37.5, 75, 150, 300 and 600 mg.L-1 were applied. The treated seeds were submitted to germination tests, after different storage times: 0, 30, 60, 90 and 150 days and then the normal and abnormal seedlings were evaluated. The results indicate that the treatment process with simple or coated nanoparticles with optimal concentration value, between 75 and 150 mg.L-1 of Mg, can approximately increase 6% of normal seedlings in conjunction with the storage time (90-150 days). The exposure of the seeds to magnesium nitrate resulted in less normal plants, possibly due to the saline and toxic effect of this source. The best germination performance of seeds pretreated with simple or coated nanoparticles can be achieved at the concentration of 75 mg.L-1 and for the storage time of 150 days. There might be some negative effect for magnesium nitrate depending on concentration and storage time.