Evaluation of the biological effect of Zn nanocarboxylates and MoS2 nanoparticles on corn sprouts (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

If it is necessary to reduce the anthropogenic impact on agroecosystems in conditions of constant increase in the cost of resources – improving the technology of growing corn through the use of nanotechnologies is one of the prerequisites for increasing the yield of crops and their profitability. In this regard, the purpose of the study was to investigate the biological activity of Zn nanocarboxylates and MoS2 nanoparticles at different concentrations for the germination, growth, and development of corn seedlings. An experiment was conducted on corn sprouts to determine the effect of Zn and MoS2 nanoparticles. The germination rate and germination energy of seeds under the action of nanoparticles were determined in accordance with the requirements of the state standard DSTU 4138-2002. The study results were analysed by generally accepted statistical methods. It was established that MoS2 nanoparticles when diluted at 1:10,000 (at a concentration of 700 mcg/l) show biological activity and cause an increase in the length of leaf blades and the length of the roots of corn seedlings by 35.0% and 100.0%, respectively. At other concentrations (1:100; 1:1,000) of Zn and MoS2 nanoparticles, no significant effect on the size of leaf blades and roots was observed. According to the results of the Mana-Whitney test, in all variants, with the exception of the action of MoS2 nanoparticles in a 1:10,000 dilution, the significance level of changes was not sufficient. Only in the variant with MoS2 at 1:10,000 dilution, an increase in root length was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant effect in all the studied variants on the germination energy and laboratory germination of maize seeds. The practical value of the study is to assess the effect of drugs (Zn nanocarboxylates and MoS2 nanoparticles) for foliar top dressing, a wide range of which is offered to agricultural producers, selection of effective concentrations for the growth, development, and yield of corn per grain