Assessment of Phytotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Vigna mungo Sinhal Vijay Kumar, Singh V.P., Garg Sanjay Kumar, Srivastava Alok* Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, MJP Rohilkhand UniversityBareilly. UP, India *Corresponding Author: alok.plsc@rediffmail.com
Online Published on 12 September, 2023. Abstract Currently, nanotechnology finds widespread applications in diverse fields, including medicine, agriculture, crop improvement, and healthcare. This surge in utilization has prompted concerns about the potential impact of nanoparticles on plant and animal health. The present study aims to assess the phytotoxic and cytotoxic effects of zinc nanoparticles on Vigna mungo. The experiment involved pre-soaking seeds of Vigna mungo in different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (6.3, 7.3, and 8.3 mg/L) to evaluate their phytotoxic and cytotoxic effects. The results revealed the most substantial reductions in various growth parameters, such as seedling height, fresh and dry seedling weights, chlorophyll content, and protein content, particularly with the highest dose of ZnO nanoparticles (8.3 mg/L), as compared to the lower doses (6.3 & 7.3 mg/L). Notably, these reductions were more pronounced in the T-9 variety compared to the PU-35 variety. Similarly, the highest dose of ZnO nanoparticles (8.3 mg/L) led to significant reductions in cytotoxic parameters like seed germination and mitotic index. The presence of chromosomal anomalies, such as sticky chromosomes, chromosomal bridges, laggards, clumping, and binucleate conditions, was also most pronounced with the highest ZnO nanoparticle dose (8.3 mg/L), in contrast to the lower doses (6.3 & 7.3 mg/L). Consequently, the overall frequency of chromosomal anomalies was greatest in the T-9 variety with the highest dose of ZnO nanoparticles (8.3 mg/L). These findings underscore the distinct phytotoxic and cytotoxic effects of zinc nanoparticles on Vigna mungo. Top Keywords Cytotoxic Nanoparticles, Phytotoxic, Vigna mungo, Zinc oxide. Top |