Study of photosynthetic pigments changes of maize (Zea mays L.) under nano Tio2 spraying at various growth stages

Elham Morteza,Payam Moaveni,Hossein Aliabadi Farahani,Mohammad Kiyani

doi:10.1186/2193-1801-2-247

Abstract

Tests were done on the effects of treatments of titanium dioxide spray on corn (Zea mays L.). The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments consisted of two factors; the first factor was stage of plant growth that spraying was applied (vegetative stage, appearance of male flowers and female flowers); and the second factor was that of different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Tio2) that consisted of spray with water (control), titanium dioxide or bulk, nano titanium dioxide at concentrations of 0.01% and 0.03%. Results showed that effect of nano Tio2 was significant on chlorophyll content (a and b), total chlorophyll (a + b), chlorophyll a/b, carotenoids and anthocyanins. The maximum amount of pigment was recorded from the treatment of nano Tio2 spray at the reproductive stage (appearance of male and female flowers) in comparison with control. Thus, an application of nanoparticles (nanao Tio2) can facilitate an increase in crop yield, especially corn yield.

Highlights

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important, strategic cereal crop that has a relatively short growing period and produces a high yield
The highest amount of chlorophyll a b was gained by spraying nano titanium dioxide at the concentration of 0.03% at the stage of the appearance of male flowers and vegetative stage and it higher than titanium dioxide and control treatment
The highest amount of cartenoids was obtained by the use of nano titanium dioxide at the stage of the appearance of female flowers

Summary

Introduction

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important, strategic cereal crop that has a relatively short growing period and produces a high yield. Corn ranks third in world in terms of production after wheat and rice (Raji 2003). Nanoparticles, which are 1–100 nm in diameter (Ruffini Castiglione and Cremonini 2009) have a large specific surface area that can provides for a good level of reactivity and this character facilitates effective absorption of fertilizers and pesticides at nanoscale (Sheykhbaglou et al, 2010). Nano particles can be used to increase the supply of elements to plant shoots and foliage. Nano particles appropriate for such application are those of are nano Tio, nano zinc, nano iron, nano aluminum and nano silver (Reynolds 2002). Application of nanoparticles can increase seed germination and seedling growth.

Methods

Results

Conclusion