Effect of bulk and nano Titanium dioxide particle concentrations on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)

The aim of this study was to compare concentrations of nanosized TiO2 at 0, 5, 20, 40, 60 and80 mg L(-1) with bulk TiO(2) for phytotoxic and stimulatory effects on fennel seed germination and early growth stage. After 14 days of seed incubation, germination percentage highly improved following exposure to 60 ppm nanosized TiO(2). Similar positive effects occurred in terms of shoot dry weight and germination rate. Application of bulk TiO(2) particles in 40 ppm concentration greatly decreased shoot biomass up to 50% compared to the control. Application of 40 ppm nanosized TiO(2) treatment improved mean germination time by 31.8% in comparison to the untreated control. In addition, low and intermediate concentrations of nanosized TiO(2) enhanced indices such as germination value, vigor index and mean daily germination. In general, there was a considerable response by fennel seed to nanosized TiO(2) presenting the possibility of a new approach to overcome problems with seed germination in some plant species, particularly medicinal plants.

Keywords:

Nanosized TiO2 , Phytotoxicity , Medicinal plant , Seed improvement