The uptake of carbon nanomaterials by plants has shown a very recent field of nano-agriculture. This work investigated about the beneficial
effects of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on wheat, maize, peanut and garlic. Here in, we explore the potential influence of 0-
50 g mL-1
, the MWCNTs on these different seeds at different concentration. The effects of MWCNTs on root and shoot growth, biomass,
number of leaves were investigated. It was hypothesized that MWCNTs were able to penetrate the seed coat by creating new pores; thereby
enhancing water uptake. The results of the combined morphological and physiological analysis indicate that after about 5-10 days exposure
under our experimental conditions MWCNTs significantly enhances plant growth and biomass compared to control. The number and size
of leaves of the MWCNTs treated plants had shown positive effects in a dose dependent manner. Nanotubes exposed seeds sprouted up to
three to four times faster than controlled. TEM images of peanut root shows the presence of carbon nanotubes that could explain the
enhanced water delivery. Overall after investigation we conclude that low dose MWCNT have seen to be beneficial, improving water
absorption, found to accelerate the process of germination by shortening the germination time and higher biomass production.
Key words: carbon nanotubes, growth enhancement, MWCNTs
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