P.G., Dept. of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad
The increasing application and use of nanoparticles are directly related to their release in the environment. The interactions of nanoparticles with plants and other organisms have been poorly studied. The studies on investigation of possible positive and phytotoxic effects of nanoparticles on crop plants are rare. In the present investigation an attempt has been made to assess the effect of Zn and nZn on the seed germination and seedling growth of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.)Verdc. The treatment included four concentrations of both Zn and n Zn (2, 10, 50 and 100 ppm) and Control (Without Zn and nZn). Zn and nZn didn't show any effect on the germination percentage but delay in the germination was observed, the differences in other parameter such as Mean Germination Time (MGT), Seedling vigor, dry and wet biomass of seedling, root and shoot were also observed. The lowest and the highest MGT were observed at the concentration 50 ppm of Zn and100ppm of nZn respectively. The lower concentration of Zn (2 ppm) showed the highest MGT, the same was observed in the concentration (10 ppm) of nZn. The effect of Zn and nZn treatment had no significant impact over the root and shoot elongation. Root length decreased in all treatments indicating the negative impact of treatment over the root elongation however the shoot length increased 50ppm Zn, 2 and 50 ppm nZn.
Seed Germination, Germination rate, nZn (Nano Zinc), Macrotyloma uniflorum and seed vigor
