Cooperative effects of iron oxide nanoparticle (α-Fe2O3) and citrate on germination and oxidative system of evening primrose (Oenthera biennis L.)

This study aimed to investigate the interaction effects of iron oxide nanoparticle (n alpha-Fe2O3) and its bulk counterpart (b alpha-Fe2O3) with and/or without citrate interaction on germination and seedling growth of Oenothera biennis L. We prepared buffered suspensions of n alpha-Fe2O3 and b alpha-Fe2O3 at 4 levels (0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 g.L-1). The n alpha-Fe2O3 increased 89.17% germination percentage, 53.36% germination tolerance index, 82.21% root tolerance index, and 79.42% ferric reducing antioxidant power. The n alpha-Fe2O3+citrate improved alpha-Fe2O3 function with a 47% relative hypocotyl length, and 97.32% vigor index2 increase. Leaf area, tolerance index of seedling fresh weight increased at b alpha-Fe2O3+citrate. Antioxidant enzyme activities are increased in alpha-Fe2O3+citrate, through which increased biomass and tolerance indices. Oxidative stress control was an important component of this plant's ability to withstand environmental stress and to succeed in germination and seedling growth. This finding emphasizes that if n alpha-Fe2O3 were used at low and intermediate concentrations, it would not have toxic effects on this plant, and potentially would result in successful stress tolerance and could act as iron fertilizers for the growth of Oenothera biennis L.