Seed Priming with Carbon Nanomaterials to Modify the Germination, Growth, and Antioxidant Status of Tomato Seedlings

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the responses of tomato seed priming with CNMs (carbon nanomaterials), evaluating the changes in germination and biochemical compounds as well as the effect on the growth of tomato seedlings. Five concentrations of CNMs (10, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1) were evaluated, as well as an absolute control and a sonicated control. The results showed that seed priming with CNMs did not affect the germination rate of the tomato seeds; however, it negatively affected the vigor variables, such as the root length (up to 39.2%) and hypocotyl biomass (up to 33%). In contrast, the root biomass was increased by the application of both carbon nanotubes and graphene up to 127% in the best case. Seed priming with carbon nanotubes (1000 mg L−1) decreased the plant height (29%), stem diameter (20%), fresh shoot biomass (63%), fresh root biomass (63%), and dry shoot biomass (71%). Seed priming with graphene increased the content of chlorophylls (up to 111%), vitamin C (up to 78%), β-carotene (up to 11 fold), phenols (up to 85%), and flavonoids (up to 45%), as well as the H2O2 content (up to 215%). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) increased the enzymatic activity (phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In addition, seed priming with high concentrations of CNMs showed negative effects. Seed priming with carbon nanomaterials can potentially improve the development of the tomato crop; therefore, this technique can be used to induce biostimulation and provides an easy way to apply carbon nanomaterials.

Dual Effect of Nanomaterials on Germination and Seedling Growth: Stimulation vs. Phytotoxicity

“…The concentration-dependent effect of CNTs (and graphene) was further supported in tomato seedlings where seed priming had no effect on the germination process, but increased root biomass and activated antioxidants (ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), etc.) [ 75 ].…”

Impact of foliar application of carbon nanotube and benzyladenine on broccoli growth and head yield

“…Also, Younes et al (2019) reported similar enhancements of eggplant and pepper growth and yield characters under carbon nanoparticles known as graphene nanosheets. López et al (2020) reported also similar induction of growth and fruit yield under the use of carbon nanotubes of tomato plants.…”

Physico-chemical properties and toxicological effects on plant and algal models of carbon nanosheets from a nettle fibre clone

“…The germination of tomato seeds primed with C nanomaterials was not affected; however, parameters such as root length and hypocotyl biomass were impaired, while chlorophyll content, as well as vitamin C, β-carotene, phenols and flavonoids increased 51 . These results show that C nanomaterials can be used as biostimulants, but their stimulating effects should be carefully determined beforehand to establish the right concentration for the crop examined.…”