The effect of manganese oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on seed germination characteristics and biochemical changes in Cichorium intybus L.

In this experimental study, the effects of two nanoparticles (NPs), zinc oxide and manganese oxide NPs, on the seed germination characteristics, seed development and biochemical changes in chicory (Cichorium intybus) were investigated. The concentrations of NPs were set to 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 g/L. The total number of groups, including the control group, was seven. After preparation and disinfection, the seeds were planted in pots. Subsequently, a series of tests, including microscopic studies, measurement of photosynthetic pigments, quantitative protein assays, enzyme activity assays, carbohydrate assays and germination rate and percentage assays, were conducted. The results show that both NPs (ZnO NPs and MgO NPs), at low concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 g/L, significantly increased the measured biological factors (p < 0.05). The 0.05 g/L dose yielded the most significant increase for both NPs. When the concentration of the NPs was increased to 0.1 g/L, a reduction in the biological factors in chicory was observed. These effects are likely due to the excessive accumulation of nanoparticles, disruption in water absorption and transport and increased generation of free radicals causing toxic stress. These results suggest that the low-dose usage of mentioned NPs led to improved qualitative and quantitative growth of plants, especially chicory.