ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by chemical precipitation to increase germination and bioactive compounds in sprouts of Raphanus sa-tivus L.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the influence of priming with zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) on germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content of radish sprouts.

Design/methodology/approach: A total of five NPs-ZnO treatments and one control treatment each with four replications under a completely randomized design were evaluated.

Results: The NPs-ZnO evaluated increased the variables of germination, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds and zinc content compared to untreated radish sprouts.

Limitations on study/implications: It is difficult to establish a response model of the effects of NPs because the shape, size, surface charge, chemical composition and concentration of NPs can cause different impacts on seed germination.

Findings/conclusions: The use of NPs-ZnO could be an effective way to enrich crops, since moving Zn through plant tissues will cause an accumulation of this micronutrient.

Keywords: Raphanus sativus, nanofertilizer, zinc oxide