Evaluation the Effects of Different Levels of Silver Nanoparticles on Germination Characteristics of Wheat Cultivars

Wheat is one of the most important crops products in Iran. Considering the role of nanotechnology in the production of crops, the study of the effect of nanoparticles on its growth processes is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles on germination characteristics of wheat in in vitro situation. In this experimental study, germination characteristics of 10 wheat cultivars were performed in 4 concentrations including silver nanoparticles, 10000, 5000, 1000, and zero (Control) with 4 replications in factorial design based on completely randomized design. Root and shoots length, root to shoot ratio, germination rate, percentage of germination, time average and index of germination, daily mean germination, seedling emergence and, vigor index were measured. Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation as well as SPSS 18 and Excel 2013 were used to analyze the data. All traits had a significant correlation with each other (p<0.01). There was a significant difference between cultivars and also between different concentrations of nanosilver for all traits (p<0.01). Major decomposition and cluster analysis showed the highest level of germination at the control and further at 1000 ppm level. Also, with increasing nanoparticle concentration, the germination characteristics also showed a significant decrease (p<0.01). Orom and Parsi were the best cultivars because of the highest value of germination characteristics. High concentrations of silver nanoparticles have an effect on germinating characteristics and reducing their amounts. There are variations between the wheat cultivars for the studied characteristics. Orom and Parsi cultivars are superior to other cultivars.