Stimulation of seed viability by means of dispersed solution of silver nano-particles

Abstract

It was shown an essential influence of dispersed solutions of silver nanopowders on processes of seed germination and sprout growth of some grain and vegetable crops (winter triticale variety Ingen-93, winter wheat variety H335, spring wheat variety Arnautka 7, tomato varieties Iubileiny, Mikhaela, Surpriz). Under the impact of dispersed nanosilver solutions at different exposure durations (30 min., 60 min. and 180 min.) it has been revealed a stimulation effect (by 10-30%) in some variants. The stimulation was observed in germination energy and viability of seeds and also in growth of aerial and underground parts of sprouts at different concentrations of the nanofactor. The task was to study the effect using dispersed nanosilver solutions at low concentrations. Processing the seeds infected by pathogenic fungi (specific to each genotype) with dispersed nanosilver solutions we have revealed that the nanofactor has more marked antifungal effect than solution of potassium permanganate commonly used for these purposes. The Data can be used in developing a method of pre-sowing stimulation of seed viability with dispersed solutions of metal nanopowders at low concentrations.