The effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant germination

The effect of nanoparticles on agricultural production and environmental protection is of great corcern because of positive and negative reports about usage of these chemicals. Nowadays, many researches have been conducted to determine the impact of various nanoparticles on different plant species. The purpose of this study to investigate the influence of MgO nanoparticles and MgSO4 with 0,0 – 92,4 – 185,0 – 370,0 – 545,0 – 740,0 – 925,0 mg/L concentrations on Kırik and Odeska bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Research was carried out on Seed Laboratory of Atatürk University. Following observation was taken; germination percentage (%), germination rate (%), germination power (%), germination rate coefficient, mean germination time, germination power index, germination rate index, shoot length (cm), root length (cm), root number, shoot and root fresh weight (g), shoot and root dry weight (g). Results were evaluated according to Randomized Block Design with variance analysis, Duncan multiple comparison test and correlation analysis between parameters. Findings about germination revealed that Kırik genotype showed better performances compared to Odeska genotype. It is also clear from results that MgO nanoparticles illustrated better germination characteristics than MgSO4 applications. Good results for shooting and rooting parameters were also obtained from Kırik genotype; shoot length of Kırik was 16,89 cm, Odeska was 13,64 cm, however, root length was 13,73 cm for Kırik, 10,50 cm for Odeska. Application of MgO nanoparticles 15,48 cm shoot length and 12,45 cm root length when compared to MgSO4 (15,05 cm shoot length, 11,78 cm root length). When doses compared, the longest shoots were obtained from 92,4 mg/L (15,71 cm) and followed by 545 mg/L (15,52 cm), 740 mg/L (15,41 cm) and shortest shoots from 925 mg/L (14,8 cm). Similar results from doses were determined for rooting parameters. As a result of the study, Kırik genotype, both MgO nanoparticles and MgSO4 with concentrations of 92,4 – 185,0 – 370,0 – 545,0 – 740 mg/L could be advised for germination and shoot regeneration parameters for future studies. It is also significant determine the influence of different nanomaterials with different concentrations and to reveal positive and negative effects on wheat plant under commercial scale production for future research.