Correlation between the size of copper nanoparticles and effects they produce on white mustard seedlings were studied in the paper. Copper nanopowders with average particle sizes of 45 and 200 nm with concentrations of 0.01–1000 wt ppm of seeds were used to treat white mustard seeds. Nonlinear dose effects were displayed by copper nanopowders obtained by chemical synthesis with the particle size of 35-60 nm. For 45 nm nanoparticles the highest biological activity with regard to germinating energy, 3-day stem and root weight was registered at 5.0 wt ppm concentration, while for root length and weight of the 7-day stems the 1.0 wt ppm concentration had the most pronounced effect. Copper submicron powder with average particle size of 200 nm displayed some effect only after 7th day of the experiment at high concentrations (from 100 to 1000 wt ppm) according to the measurements of length and weight of the seedlings. The obtained results can be used in the development of copper nanoparticles-based preparations for pre-sowing treatment of seeds.
Modern agricultural production requires innovative technologies. For a labile technological process of grain growing the following things are necessary: precise (coordinate) farming, crops protection in the form of controlled coexistence with undesirable life forms and a single pre-treatment with biopreparations based on biogenic metal nanoparticles. Physical-chemical properties of nanoparticles contribute to biocompatibility and biological activity when interacting with wheat and other crops. The paper shows relationship between the size of metal nanoparticles and their effect on wheat seedlings at concentrations of 0.001-1.000 g/t. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the crops significantly decreased when maximum morpho-physiological parameters and increased sharply at concentrations above 100 g/t and 10 g/t, respectively, for nanoparticles sized 35-60 nm and up to 20 nm. For nanoparticles sized 35-60 nm the stability limit was the concentration of nanoparticles much higher than 100 g/t, and for those up to 20 nm it was 0.001-10 g/t. The content of hormone indole acetic acid increased under the action of nanoparticles, which increased energy efficiency of plant respiration, activity of enzymatic reactions and wheat yield and grain quality when strengthening the seedlings’ viability, reducing the effect of weeds to minimum.
Effects of iron and copper nanopowders (particle size of 20-40 nm) were investigated on rabbits of 1 month age and heifers of 6 months. For introduction of nanometals into the animal's ration, the mixed fodder was treated with the nanometal powder suspension in such a way: 0.08 mg of nanoiron per kg of animal's body weight and 0.04 mg kg −1 for nanocopper. The weight gain of the heifers who received nanoiron and nanocopper after 8 months was 22.4 and 10.7% higher than that of the control, respectively. For the rabbits who received nano Fe and Cu after 3 months, the weight gain was 11.7 and 7.3% compared to the control, respectively. Under the action of metal nanopowders morphological indices of blood were changed in comparison with the control: after 8 months the quantity of erythrocytes increased by 19.6%, hemoglobin by 17.1% and leukocytes by 7.6%. There was a realignment in leukocytic formula: the quantity of lymphocytes increased by 9% compared to the control. Biogenic metals in superdispersive state were able to stimulate immune, enzymatic and humoral systems of the animal's organism, promoting metabolism. Adding Co and Cu metal nanopowders to the bull-calves' fodder rations increased content of Ca by 31.8 and 0%, Fe by 38.8 and 37.5%, K by 19.2 and 15.3%, Mg by 17.6 and 23.5%, Mn by 9.8 and 45% and Na by 20.5 and 8.8%, respectively, compared to control. Metal nanopowders improved the quality indices and meat productivity of black-white bull-calves, expressed in intensive growth of muscle, tissue and more nutritious meat. The conducted veterinary-sanitary expertise showed that the supplements based on iron, cobalt and copper nanopowders can be used as safe bioactive supplements in animal husbandry.
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