Evaluation of nanoparticles for promoting seed germination and growth rate in MR263 and MR269 paddy seeds

M.S. Nur Azura, I. Zamri, M.R. Rashid, G. Mohd Shahrin, A.R. Rafidah, I. Mohammad

Abstract
Effects of various selected nanoparticles on seed germination and growth rate of two different paddy varieties, MR263 and MR293 were studied. Different types of nanoparticles with different sizes were selected, i.e. carbon-based materials [10 – 20 nm single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)], ~100 nm nanosilicon and nanoscale metal oxides (70 – 100 nm CuO). Germination rate was evaluated on the second and seventh day; while both root length and shoot length were measured on the seventh day. MR263 paddy seeds treated with 1 mg/ml nanosilicon particles exhibited the highest germination rate. Germination rate of paddy seeds treated with nanosilicon increased from 13% (second day) up to 95% (seventh day). In terms of growth rate, nanosilicon, SWCNTs and MWCNTs exhibited 34 – 41% root length growth for MR263 variety compared to controlled (untreated) seeds. Germination rate for MR269 however was not greatly affected by nanoparticles treatment, with only 7 – 9% root growth measured. CuO nanoparticle was found to inhibit and suppress the paddy seeds growth from both varieties, presumably due to its toxicity property. It was concluded that smaller nanoparticles produced better germination rate as they are able to penetrate the seeds’ pores better and subsequently increase the seeds water uptake.

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