Changes in agricultural technology have been a major factor shaping modern agriculture. Among the latest line of technological innovations, nanotechnology holds a prominent position in transforming agriculture and food science and technology. The present study examined the effects of several metal oxide nanoparticles (e.g. CuO, Fe2O3 and ZnO) on kale (Brassica oleracea) plants. The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions with randomized placement design with five replicates and three different treatments. Concentration was varied and a control (containing no nanoparticles). The seeds were soaked in milli-Q water with or without adding the nanoparticles for 24 hours. Seeds were directly sown and after 34 days the plants were harvested. The results showed that pertaining to the length of the roots and the shoots was effected (either positively or negatively) by the nanoparticles. For example, for CuO, the largest increase in both resulted from the 70 ppm concentration while the control showing the least amount of increased growth. Furthermore, the dry weight of the plants relative to their treatment also showed significant effects on the plants. With the 70 ppm concentration producing the largest increase in dry weight relative to the control. This study shows that the application of nanoparticles at appropriate concentrations causes proliferation on the growth and development of kale when compared to the control. Therefore, it is expected that nanotechnology permits broad advances in agricultural research, such as reproductive science and technology, conversion of agricultural and food wastes to energy and other useful byproducts through enzymatic nanobioprocessing, disease prevention and treatment in plants using various nanocides.

Effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on the growth of kale

255th National Meeting (2018)

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