Evaluation of Iinhibition Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles Concentration regarding Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

A laboratory trial was conducted to determine whether suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could interfere with the early growth of fenugreek. This plant species is one of the recommended species by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Nine concentrations of ZnO NPs (10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 mg/L) were prepared in deionized )DI( water (considered as a control). Seed soaking and incubation of seeds in ZnO NPs suspensions were compared. We found that ZnO NPs cannot pass through the seed coat, because neither the seed soaking affect seedling growth nor the germination rate was not affected by ZnO NPs. The root and shoot growth were not affected until 100 and 500 mg/L, respectively, but in concentration more than 100 and 500 mg/L, root and shoot growth negatively were affected. Therefore root growth upon exposure to ZnO NPs was more sensitive than shoot growth.