Effect of Copper Oxide Nano Particle on Seed Germination of Selected Crops

Abstract

Nano particles are finding their way into the environment through deliberate and accidental actions, ecotoxicological properties and the risks of these nano particles have yet not been fully characterized. In this present investigation, experiments were carried out to know the effect of Cu oxide-nano particles (< 50 nm) on germination and growth of seeds of soybean and chickpea. In both the crops, germination was not checked up to 2,000 ppm Cu (applied through Cu oxide-nano particles), but the root growth was prevented above 500 ppm Cu. With increasing concentration of NPs, the elongation of the roots was severely inhibited as compared to that in control. In many cases root necrosis was occurred. Massive adsorption of Cu oxide-nano particles into the root system was responsible for the toxicity. A parallel experiment was also carried out to know the effect of copper sulphate solution on seed germination, above 200 ppm Cu, it restricted the germination of seeds, because of high salinity.