The effect of nanoparticles of biogenic metal oxides on seed germination capability, photosynthetic pigment content, activities of PS II and superoxide dismutase in wheat seedlings

Abstract

Aim. The effect of nanoparticles of copper, titanium, iron and aluminum oxides on the germination energy, germination capability, growth and development, the content of photosynthetic pigments, the activity of photosystems and superoxide dismutase of wheat seedlings was studied. Methods. The objects of the research were bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) seedlings. The seeds of the experimental plants were treated with powders of nanoparticles of СuO, Fe2O3, ZnO, Al2O3, and TiO2, then sown in Petri dishes and in the pots with soil. Results. Nanoparticles were found to express various effects: СuO, and Al2O3 decreased the growth of seedlings, whereas TiO2, ZnO and Fe2O3 accelerating the growth of seedlings had a positive effect on the activities of PSII and superoxide dismutase. Conclusions. Nanoparticles of TiO2, ZnO and Fe2O3 had a positive effect on seed germination and accelerated the growth of wheat seedlings. Nanoparticles of ZnO and Fe2O3 also positively influenced on the activity of PS II, and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme-superoxide dismutase also increased.
 Keywords: wheat, nanoparticles, germination, growth of seedlings, PS II, superoxide dismutase.