ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by chemical precipitation to increase germination and bioactive compounds in sprouts of Raphanus sa-tivus L.

Abstract

Objective: To examine how priming radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) affects their germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content. Design/methodology/approach: We evaluated five NPs-ZnO treatments and a control sample with four replications under a completely randomized design. Results: Sprouts treated with NPs-ZnO showed increased germination variables, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and zinc content as compared to untreated radish sprouts. Study limitations/implications: It is hard to establish a response model for the effects of NPs since their shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition, and concentration may have a differentiated impact on seed germination. Findings/conclusions: Using NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since the passage of Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient.