Effect of SiO2NPs on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegus aronia L.) Seedlings

In order to utilize the new science of nanotechnology and unique characteristics of nanoparticles in plant science, accurate and fundamental research is required. In this study, effect of silicon nanoparticles on improvement of growth and physiological characteristics of hawthorn (Crataegus aronia L.) seedlings was considered for 45 days. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replications was performed. The treatments consisted of 4 different concentrations of silicon nanoparticles solution (0, 10, 50 and 100 mg.l-1). Gas exchange, biomass allocation and physiological changes were considered as indicators. Although the nanosilicon on hawthorn trees partially reduced plant water potential (more negative), but relative water content was not affected by the SiO2 NPs treatments. Silicon nanoparticles significantly increased the gas exchange rate during the experiment which finally lead to increasing of plant biomass especially root biomass. Total biomass of seedlings subjected with 100 mg.l-1 showed a 40% increasing compared to control plants. In general, it can be stated that silicon nanoparticles used in this study improved the physiological activity and plant biomass of hawthorn seedling.