Impact of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on wheat and barley seeds germination and early growth

This study investigated the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the rate of germination and growth of wheat and barley seeds. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by using the chemical co-precipitation technique. Based on structural characterization and morphology analysis of nanoparticles were by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), it was demonstrated that the major amount of the particles is in the range of 20–30 nm with spherical shape. Different concentrations of Iron oxide nanoparticle suspensions were applied to wheat and barley genotypes on seedlings stage. The results demonstrate that this treatment has a positive effect on seed germination. Plants treated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles had considerably higher germination rates, as well as root and coleoptile length.