Effects of Nano Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Particles on Germination of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seeds

The Lab experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016-17 in the laboratory of Department of Agronomy, Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (G.K.V.K), University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru with different concentrations of nano zinc oxide (800 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1200 ppm 1400 ppm and 1600 ppm) to assess the performance of maize seedling. Among the different concentrations of nano zinc oxide 1000 and 1200 ppm recorded 100 percent germination of maize seeds. However, 1200 ppm nano zinc oxide recorded higher root length (6.5 cm), shoot length (3.9 cm) and seed vigor index (1040) compared to other concentrations. Lowest germination was recorded under 1600 nano zinc oxide treatment (40%).