The Effects of TiO2 and SiO2 Nanoparticles on Wild Pear Seedlings under Drought Condition

Using of Nano-materials is one of the suitable ways for increasing of abiotic resistance in plants. In the current research, wild pear seedlings were irrigated with different concentrations of TiO2 and SiO2 NPs such as 0, 10, 100, 500 and 100 mgL-1. After this pretreatments, irrigation was stopped for 14 days to induce drought stress on the seedlings. At the end of the experiment, relative water content, xylem water potential, root biomass, electrolyte leakage rate, proline content and catalase enzyme activity were measured. The results showed that although both types of nanoparticles were differentially absorbed by roots of wild pear seedlings, the amelioration of water deficit in terms of all studied variables were observed for both of NPs with a slight differences between them. SiO2 NPs was more successful in improving root biomass and relative water content. On the other hand, TiO2 NPs was more successful in improving xylem water potential and catalase activity. Finally, amelioration effects of both NPs were clearly proved by the current research but further experiments are advised to find out involved mechanisms.