Assessment of Concentrations of Nano and Bulk Iron Oxide Particles on Early Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

ABSTRACT

treatments. Increasing nanoparticles concentration above 100 ppm reduced seed germination rate. It has not found any significant effects by bulk and nanoparticles on elongation of shoot, root and seedling of wheat. Application of 100 ppm concentration of nanosized Fe2O3 reduced mean germination time (MGT) by 38.5% in comparison to the control, while 100 ppm concentration of bulk Fe2O3 did not decrease MGT in comparison with the control. The highest root biomass was achieved from concentration of 100 ppm nano- Fe2O3, but an increased concentrations of nanoparticles Fe2O3 significantly reduced root weight. Nevertheless, on the basis of these results it is highly recommended that the influence of low dose nanomaterial be assessed in order to encourage seed germination and seedling growth.