Ce2O3 nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and application to callus formation and plant regeneration from mature embryo culture of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ce₂O₃-NPs) are widely used for their catalytic and oxidative properties, such as in diesel additives and potential oncology treatments. However, limited data exists on their impact on callus formation and plant regeneration in wheat. This study investigates the effects of different genotypes and Ce₂O₃-NPs concentrations on callus formation and plant regeneration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using mature embryo culture. Our hypothesis was that Ce₂O₃-NPs would enhance callus and plant regeneration rates in a genotype-dependent manner. We used Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with varying concentrations of Ce₂O₃-NPs (1–7 mg/L) to assess their effects. The Kırik genotype showed the highest callus formation (7 mg/L Ce₂O₃-NPs), while the Rumeli genotype showed the lowest (1 mg/L Ce₂O₃-NPs). Embryogenic callus formation was the highest in Kırik without Ce₂O₃-NPs and the lowest in Rumeli with 3 mg/L Ce₂O₃-NPs. Root and shoot formation rates in Rumeli were 16.03% and 51.40%, respectively, compared to 3.94% and 40.49% in Kırik. The main outcomes demonstrated that 1 mg/L Ce₂O₃-NPs promoted root formation, while 7 mg/L was optimal for shoot formation. Genotypic effects on callus, root, and shoot formation, as well as plant regeneration, were significant. MS media with Ce₂O₃-NPs enhanced callus formation and regeneration in wheat tissue culture, highlighting the importance of genotype in these processes. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms of Ce₂O₃-NPs’ effects on plant tissue culture and extend the study to other plant species to validate these findings.