Impact of zinc oxide nanoflowers on growth dynamics and physio-biochemical response of Triticum aestivum

Flower like zinc oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and the effects of their aqueous suspensions at 200-1000mg/L on seed germination and seedlings of Triticum aestivum have been investigated. When treated with suspensions of zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 200-1000 mg/L, germination was reduced to 45% and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) were also depressed. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic plant defense mechanisms were adversely affected at the maximum concentration. Abnormalities in the concentrations of proline, malondialdehyde, phenols and flavonoids were observed in the roots and shoots of plant due to the zinc oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations.