Enhancement of Seed Germination mediated by OHfunctionalised Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (OHMWCNTs) and their effect on morphological Parameters of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. Genotypes

With an innovative approach, nanotechnology is proving to be a boon in various multifacet fields by easing the life of mankind. Owing to its changed physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials have exhibited advanced applications in the field of agriculture. Current study is focused to see the effects of OH-functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (OH-MWCNTs) on germination and morphological parameters in seedlings of three different genotypes (HHB-67, RHB-173 and MPMH-17) of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. under in vitro conditions. Seeds were primed with various concentrations of OHMWCNTs (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 mg L-1) for 12 hours while control was treated with only water. On 14th day of treatment, seed germination and morphological parameters were measured in Pennisetum seedlings. All three selected genotypes of Pennisetum showed the highest final germination percentage (FGP), seed vigour index I (SVI-I), seed vigour index II (SVI-II) along with root-shoot length and fresh and dry weight of seedlings at 100 mg L-1 concentration of OH-MWCNTs. This study indicates clearly that MWCNTs in low doses (25-100 mg L-1) can boost germination attributes in comparison to control, while beyond a threshold dose (125 mg L-1), all parameters of seedling growth showed signs of waning, however, the measurement of growth parameters was still better than control.