Effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the germination and early growth of Quercus macdougallii.
The present study measures the effect of citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) on the germination and early growth of Quercus macdougallii (oak). Two types of Fe3O4-NPs were synthetized and characterized, being denominated NP1 and NP2. The synthesis was performed by the co-precipitation method and partial reduction of iron(II), respectively. It was found that the NP1 has a quasi-spherical morphology, with sizes of 6-10nm, while the NP2 has sizes between 65 and 160nm. It was demonstrated that the Fe3O4-NPs exhibit peroxidase-like catalytic activity. Experiments of germination and growth of Quercus macdougallii were performed using the synthesized Fe3O4-NPs treatments and a deionized water control. The experiments were performed in intact and peeled acorns. The application of the NPs increased the germination up to 33% in relation to the control. Additionally, the Fe3O4-NPs treatments increased the growth, dry biomass, and chlorophyll concentration. The data obtained in this study suggest that Fe3O4-NPs treatments could be potentially used to improve conservation and reforestation of threatened forestry species.
Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
Nicolaza
N
Pariona
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Saltillo, Av. Industria Metalúrgica 1062, Parque Industrial Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, 25900, Mexico. Electronic address: mtz.art@gmail.com.
Arturo I
AI
Martínez
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN Unidad Saltillo, Av. Industria Metalúrgica 1062, Parque Industrial Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, 25900, Mexico.
Homero
H
Hernandez-Flores
Instituto de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad de la Sierra Juárez, Av. Universidad s/n, Ixtlán de Juarez, Oaxaca 68725, Mexico.
Ricardo
R
Clark-Tapia
D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles / Q000032:analysis*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D029963:Quercus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles
Germination; Magnetite nanoparticles; Peroxidase-like catalytic activity; Quercus macdougallii