ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN WHEAT

Wheat is the main food source for key nutrients in humans, hence any new research into boosting wheat quality and yield is vital. Recent advances in nanotechnology have made nanoparticles appropriate for use in agriculture. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have a considerable impact on plants, but further research is required to make them commercially feasible. Herein, we evaluate the impact of TiO2 nanoparticles not only on the germination of seeds but also on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through soil application. The experimental findings reveal that TiO2 treatment at concentrations up to 2000 mg/L in seeds planted in Petri dishes has a favorable effect on wheat root and shoot length, whereas it has a suppressive effect at higher concentrations. As expected, a similar trend is observed for plant shoot length in the soil treatment with beneficial effects recorded up to a dosage of 60 mg/kg. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on seed germination and plant growth may have a big financial impact on horticulture, agriculture, and the energy industry-particularly on the manufacturing of biofuels.