The goal of this study was to evaluate concentrations of nanosized TiO 2 at 0, 5, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L -1 with bulk TiO 2 for possible stimulatory effects on wheatgrass seed germination and early growth stage. After 14 days of seed incubation, germination percentage improved by 9% following exposure to 5 ppm nanosized TiO 2 treatment comparing to control. Similar positive effects occurred in terms of germination value and mean daily germination. Application of bulk TiO 2 particles in 80 ppm concentration greatly decreased the majority of studied traits. Therefore phytotoxicity effect observed on wheatgrass seedling by application of bulk TiO 2 particles in 80 ppm concentration. Exposure of wheatgrass seeds to 5 ppm nanosized TiO 2 and bulk and nanosized TiO 2 at 60 ppm obtained the lowest mean germination time but higher concentrations did not improve mean germination time. In general, there was a positive response by wheatgrass seed to some concentrations of nanosized TiO 2 . Usage of nanoparicles in order to improve germination and establishment of range plant in adverse environments similar to rangeland could be possible.

No abstract

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License GJNFS.MS.ID.000555.

No abstract