Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on vegetative factors, elements content and photosynthetic pigments of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Zinc is an essential nutrient for plants and has an important role in plant growth and development although small amounts of it are needed. On the other hand, nano fertilizers such as ZnO nanoparticles cause an increase in agricultural products dramatically. The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles on some properties of the wheat plant. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (0, 5.1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 µM in the pot cultivation stage). At the end of a 14-day period, vegetative features, elements content, total carbohydrate and photosynthetic pigments were measured. According to the results, growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights, leaf area, root depth, germination percentage, total carbohydrate, iron and phosphorus contents, as well as photosynthetic pigments in the high concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (6, 9 and 12 µM) showed a decreasing trend. Zinc and potassium contents increased with the enhancement of external concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles. This study showed that the highest growth efficiency and productivity of wheat was observed in 1.5 µM of Zno nanoparticles.