Effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles on phytochemical traits of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) plant

In recent years, nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their unique properties in improving various functions in agriculture and plant biology. This study aimed to investigate the effect of magnesium oxide nanoparticles synthesized by a green method using rose extract on growth indices and phytochemical traits of the medicinal plant cumin. Seeds and plants were treated with two concentrations of nanoparticles: (0.01, 0.1 mg/mL). The investigated indices included germination percentage, shoot length, root length, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, total phenols, and total tannins. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan’s test at the 0.05 level. The results showed that the application of nanoparticles at both concentrations caused a significant increase in all indices compared to the control group. In the 0.1 nano treatment, the germination percentage increased by 33.33%, the root length increased by 130%, and shoot length by 72%. Also, at this concentration, the number of total flavonoids increased by 28.5%, total phenols increased by 36%, and total tannins increased by 25%. Overall, the findings showed that magnesium oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green method may serve as a biocompatible agent to enhance growth and enhancing the bioactive compound content in cumin plants.