Zinc oxide nanoparticles as a bio elicitor in the growth of Raphanus sativus L. plant tissues

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of zinc oxide nanoparticles at their different concentrations as positive stimuli for the germination of radish seeds and seedling growth by measuring various growth indicators and quantifying their protein content. Methodology and results: Radish seeds were surface sterilized by soaking them in an ethyl alcohol solution, followed by a sodium hypochlorite solution. Seeds were then washed with sterile distilled water and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) solid medium supplemented with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/mL of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and compared to control plates. The study examined the positive effect of ZnO-NPs in germinating radish ( Raphanus sativus L.) seeds with healthy seedlings production. The results reflected the role of nanoparticles in increasing cellular components, which were positively remarkable. The effect of treatment with ZnO-NPs showed the enhancement of early germination, in addition to some morphological and physiological changes accompanying seedling growth. Results also revealed that the protein content of seedlings growing on the MS solid medium supplied with 40 µg/mL ZnO-NPs was 1.82 µg/g, much higher than the protein content of seedlings grown on the control medium MS free from nanoparticles. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Research findings suggest that the ZnO-NPs are able to promote the germination rate of radish seeds