Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
2
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Abstract
The current study aimed to synthesize nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium co-doped quantum dots (NPK-QDs); and to evaluate their influence on germination and seedling growth of wheat. Glucose, ammonia, and potassium phosphate were used to synthesize NPK-QDs using microwave. Visual observation and spectral analysis of the reaction mixture, along with transmission electron microscopy and elemental analysis, confirmed the formation of NPK-QDs. Seed priming of two wheat cultivars (Sakha 95 and Masr 3) in different concentrations of NPK-QDs (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/l) had marked effect on germination and seedling growth. These dots enhanced final germination percentage and mean daily germination by reducing mean germination time, germination final time, maximum germination time, and germination duration time. Consequently, germination index, germination rate index, peak value, germination value, speed of germination, and germination coefficient were all increased by NPK-QDs. In addition, NPK-QDs increased seedling vigor (indicated by seedling length and biomass) as well as seedling water retention. In most cases, NPK-QDs at 50 and 100 mg/l had the best effect. Thus, NPK-QDs at these concentrations can be recommended as priming agent to enhance wheat germination and early seedling growth.
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