Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
157784 
Journal Article 
Effect of nano-TiO2 on strength of naturally aged seeds and growth of spinach 
Zheng, L; Hong, F; Lu, S; Liu, C 
2005 
Yes 
Biological Trace Element Research
ISSN: 0163-4984
EISSN: 1559-0720 
104 
1 
83-92 
English 
15851835 
WOS:000228961800009 
The effects of nano-TiO(2) (rutile) and non-nano-TiO(2) on the germination and growth of naturally aged spinach seeds were studied by measuring the germination rate and the germination and vigor indexes of aged spinach seeds. An increase of these factors was observed at 0.25-4% nano-TiO(2) treatment. During the growth stage, the plant dry weight was increased, as was the chlorophyll formation, the ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, and the photosynthetic rate. The best results were found at 2.5% nano-TiO(2). The effects of non-nano-TiO(2) are not significant. It is shown that the physiological effects are related to the nanometer-size particles, but the mechanism by which nano-TiO(2) improves the growth of spinach seeds still needs further study. 
nano-TiO2; spinach; aged seed; seed vigor; photosynthesis