Initial Development of Corn Seedlings after Seed Priming with Nanoscale Synthetic Zinc Oxide

Abstract

Nanofertilizers are increasingly explored for sustainable micronutrient delivery in agriculture. Pre-treating seeds with nanofertilizers prior to planting (i.e., seed priming) reduces concerns about nanoparticle (NP) fertilizer non-target dispersion; however, priming formulations and concentrations must be carefully selected to avoid germination inhibition and toxicity. Here we investigate changes in corn seed germination and seedling development after seed priming with ZnO NPs, ZnO bulk and ZnCl2. To evaluate the effects sterile seeds were immersed in priming solutions of 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg L−1 Zn for the three Zn sources. Following an 8 h priming the seeds were evaluated for germination and vigor for 5 days on germination paper. Root and shoot lengths were measured as well as fresh and dry biomass. Compared to the control, the ZnO NP and ZnCl2 seed priming promoted beneficial effects. ZnO NP seed-priming exhibited a concentration dependent profile in improving seedling growth, with greatest benefit around 80 mg L−1, providing 17%, 25% and 12% higher values than control for germination, root length, and dry biomass production, respectively. In contrast, seeds primed with bulk ZnO did not differ from the control. These findings support NP-seed priming as an alternative to delivery of essential micronutrients, such as zinc, to corn seedlings.

Genotype × Environment Interaction for Wheat Yield Traits Suitable for Selection in Different Seed Priming Conditions

“…A higher percentage of germination and seedling growth of wheat with the application of ZnO NPs has been reported by Solanki and Laura [11]. Neto et al [10] reported similar findings where ZnO NP application promotes an increase in maize germination and vigor up to a threshold concentration, after which, increasing concentrations provide diminishing benefit.…”

“…Aside from its influence on crop growth, development and productivity, plant nutrition with Zn plays a key role in the germination, emergence of seedlings and establishment of population. These effects promoted by Zn are directly linked to the functions of this element in the plants protein synthesis, cell elongation, auxin biosynthesis, used in the gene expression, resistance to stresses and pollen formation [9][10][11]. Hence, the assessment of the impacts of ZnO NPs on the plant traits of wheat could provide new insights into the application of nanotechnology in improving the yield traits of wheat.…”

Seed priming with ZnO nanoparticles promotes early growth and bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera

“…This response is thought to be mainly due to aggregation phenomena, interfacial interactions, and cellular responses, resulting in a nonlinear trend (Juárez-Maldonado et al, 2019). The effect of hormesis has been demonstrated in some works with the technique of seed priming, such as that carried out by Neto et al (2020), where the use of NPs of Fe3O4 in Zea mays produced increased vigor of seedlings to 40 mg L -1 , followed by a decrease to 80 mg L -1 and an increase in this by increasing the dose to 160 mg L -1 . A similar effect was reported in seeds of Allium cepa with applications of 50 to 3200 mg L -1 NZnO (Tymoszuk and Wojnarowicz, 2020).…”

“…For example, in Lactuca sativa, the use of Cu, Zn Mn, and Fe NPs favored the germination of seeds (Liu et al, 2016). On the other hand, Fe3O4 NPs increased vigor in Zea mays seeds (Neto et al, 2020). In another study, López-Vargas et al (2020) used carbon and graphene nanotubes in Solanum lycopersicum seeds, increasing the content of chlorophylls, phenols, and total flavonoids in seedlings.…”

Seed discontinuous hydration does not benefit germination, but improves drought tolerance of Triplaris gardneriana seedlings

“…Otherwise, seed priming does not always give a better germinative performance to the seeds, especially when comparing different kinds of priming agents (Esper-Neto et al, 2020). Aluko, Ayodele, Salami, & Olaleye (2020) did not find differences in the T 50 (described as the time required for 50% germination) for seeds treated with NaCl (osmopriming) and aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (phyto-priming) which were placed to germinate in ideal conditions when compared to the control treatment, as well as no difference was found for the mean emergence time (MET) when the seeds were treated with water and NaCl.…”