Abstract
Nanotechnology has significant potential to improve seed performance. In recent years, several studies have been published on the application of nanoparticles in seeds. The effects of nanomaterials on seed germination and seedling vigor have been assessed in different plant species. The modulation of reactive oxygen species, enhancement of α-amylase activity and starch metabolism, effect on drought resistance, effects on photosynthetic pigments and photosynthesis of seedlings, and inhibitory activity against microorganisms have been investigated. This chapter highlights basic aspects related to the physiology of seed germination, which is very important to understand the effects of nanomaterials on seed performance. The types of treatments used for the application of nanoparticles in seeds and the factors related to the efficiency of treatments are also covered. Approaches of the positive and negative effects of nanoparticle application in seeds are exposed herein, in addition to thoughts about future research and the need for additional investigation on the use of nanoparticles in seeds.
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Gomes-Junior, F.G., Rohr, L.A., Henning, F.A. (2022). Nanoparticles on Seed Performance. In: Fernandes Fraceto, L., Pereira de Carvalho, H.W., de Lima, R., Ghoshal, S., Santaella, C. (eds) Inorganic Nanopesticides and Nanofertilizers. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-94155-0_3
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