Effect of magnetite nanoparticles as iron source for seed priming on seed germination seedling growth and water content of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Nanofertilizers are expected to be an efficient and less polluting method of application of plant nutrients. Application of plant micronutrients through nano form is expected to enhance their use efficiency. Nanoparticles of magnetite were prepared through a chemical method in chelated form and stabilized form for application as nutrient source. Performance of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄ stabilized with EDTA) as the Iron (Fe) micronutrient source on the paddy (Oryza sativa L.) seeds by seed priming method is evaluated. The study comprised of nine treatments with various sources of Fe micronutrient having various concentrations, tested in a randomized block design and replicated four times. De-mineralized water was used as a control. Results indicated that seedlings primed with 50 ppm Nano Fe₃O₄ stabilized with EDTA registered maximum germination %, vigor index I & II and fresh, turgid and dry weight while 10 ppm Nano Fe₃O₄ stabilized with EDTA showed maximum root and shoot length compared to control. Consistently better performance was observed for Nano nutrient sources when compared to the conventional Fe nutrient sources commercially available in market.