The comparative study of in-vitro seed germination was conducted to determine the influence of different concentrations of chemically synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the in-vitro seed germination and growth of two different varieties of wheat-PBW677 and PBW725 on MS medium. For all growth parameters taken under the present study, PBW 725 variety of wheat performed better in the basal MS media having different concentration of CuNPs than PBW 677. 100% germination percentage of PBW 725 variety of wheat is achieved on Basal MS medium supplemented with 5 ppm CuNPs. This variety has better seed vigour and tolerance index. It indicates that a lower concentration of CuNPs is potential enhancer of seed germination of this particular variety. But the higher concentration of the nanoparticles proved to be detrimental and resulted into poor seed germination and decreased morphological development of the plants of both varieties.
INTRODUCTION:Wheat is a globally consumed cereal crop, which is a staple food in most part of Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. Approximately 215 million hectares of land is utilized for wheat cultivation all over the world out of which around 30 million hectares of land is used in India. Wheat is commonly used as a ground, powdery form called wheat flour. It is also used in the preparation of a large variety of food products, including bread, biscuits, cakes, pies, fermented beverages like beer, breakfast cereal, etc. The crop belongs to the family of Poaceae and contains great benefits -carbohydrate 70% and protein 3% and inorganic ions 1.5-2.0%, fat 1.5-2.0%, and vitamins such as B complex and E 1 .