Seed Germination and Growth Response of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

Higher plants strongly interact with their atmospheric and terrestrial environments and are expected to be affected as a result of their exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of nanosized CuO on seed germination, seedling growth and photosynthetic pigments of chicory were investigated in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The experimental treatments included four concentrations of nanosized CuO (10, 50, 100, and 500 ppm) and control without any CuO. Results indicated that among the chicory germination indices, only germination percentage and weighted germination index were affected positively by nano CuO treatments. All of nano CuO treatments increased chlorophyll and carotenoids contents but this increase was not significantly different. It is concluded that treatment with nano CuO treatments have no effect on germination indices and photosynthetic pigments of chicory in comparison with the control.