Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination and seed vigour in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination and seed vigour in chilli, an experiment was conducted at the Seed Testing Laboratory (STL) of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Deemed to be university, Allahabad in CRD (Completely Randomized Block Design) having three replications. In present investigation, different concentration (0.0, 0.25,0.50 and 0.75g) of ZnO Nps were prepared in distilled water and used for the treatment in chilli seeds to study the effect on seed germination, root length, shoot length and seedling growth. The results showed that the effect of ZnO nanopaticle was significant on germination percentage, root length, shoot length and seedling length. Seed germination increased in higher concentrations, however showed decrease in values at lower concentrations. The root, shoot and seedling length was also maximum in higher concentration and in lower concentrations it showed decreased values.