Biochemical effects of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticules in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study was carried out to determine the biochemical effects of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles, which have been used for different purposes in recent years, on peanuts, which are ecologically and economically important agricultural plants. In the study, the effects of different ZnO and CuO concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50, 100 and 250 mg/L) on germination, growth and development and some biochemical events of peanut were determined. Final germination rates at 100 and 250 mg/L ZnO concentrations were significantly reduced compared to control. In addition, germination rates showed a significant decrease compared to the control only under the effect of 250 mg/L CuO. Adverse effects of high concentrations applied on the growth and development of seedlings were determined. The protein content of the seedling tissues decreased significantly at high concentrations. While the total carbohydrate content increased at low concentrations compared to the control, it was determined that it decreased at high concentrations. The changes in the amount of phenolic compounds and non-protein sulfidriyl groups showed that high concentrations of ZnO and CuO cause stress. In addition, it has been clearly shown that increases in the amount of hydrogen peroxide, which are reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde, which is an oxidative stress indicator, cause oxidative stress in the peanut tissues of both nanoparticles. Key Words: Arachis hypogaea, ZnO, CuO, Biochemical Effect, Oxidative Stress