title: Role of nano-SiO2 in germination of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum seeds Mill.).
abstract: Agricultural biotechnology is very familiar with the properties of nanomaterial and their potential uses. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to test the beneficial effects of nanosilicon dioxide (nSiO2: size- 12 nm) on the seed germination of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv Super Strain B). Application of nSiO2 significantly enhanced the characteristics of seed germination. Among the treatments, 8 g L(-1) of nSiO2 improved percent seed germination, mean germination time, seed germination index, seed vigour index, seedling fresh weight and dry weight. Therefore, it is very clear that nSiO2 has a significant impact on the seed germination potential. These findings could provide that alternative source for fertilizer that may improve sustainable agriculture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Manzer H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mohamed H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Al-Whaibi
keywords: Lycopersicum esculentum; Nanosilicon dioxide; Nanotechnology; Seed germination