The effect of N-TiO2 on tomato, onion, and radish seed germination

Abstract

The effects of nano-size titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) on the germination of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.), onion (Allium cepa L.), and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds were assessed in laboratory and greenhouse trials. Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes in a laboratory and in peat:perlite (1:1, v/v) in a greenhouse containing four concentrations of N-TiO2 (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg L-1). N-TiO2 at 100 and 200 mg L-1 had the most positive effect on germination. In the laboratory, the highest germination percentage of tomato and onion was observed at 100 mg L-1 (100 and 30%, respectively), and in radish, 100% germination was obtained with 400 mg L-1. In the greenhouse, seedlings were tallest after exposure to 400 and 200 mg L-1 for tomato and onion, respectively, and 400 and 100 mg L-1 for radish. N-TiO2 may serve as a seed-priming agent for horticultural crops.