Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on rooting of cuttings in Lippia citriodora L.

Abstract

Nowadays, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a special place in plant science and promising effects have been reported. To study the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs), 0 (control), 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L-1, on rooting of cuttings in Lippia citriodora L., a factorial pot experiment in the form of randomized complete block design was set up in the research field of Shiraz University with 4 replications. Results showed that the application of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (10-50 mg L-1) significantly improved the root morphological traits compared to the control treatment. The highest increase in root weight (around 200% compared with control) was recorded in response to 50 mg L-1 MWCNT treatment. The root volume also increased by 165% under 50 mg L-1 MWCNT treatment while the lowest value was observed in cuttings treated with 100 mg L-1MWCNT. The lowest number of roots in cuttings belonged to 100 mg L-1MWCNT treatment. Application of 50 ppm MWCNT in comparison with control treatment significantly increased the number of roots in cuttings (by 50%). The application of this concentration caused the highest amount of root length which was 65.94% more than the control treatment. Although our finding showed promising effects of MWCNT on root of Lippia citriodora, the further comprehensive studies can are suggested on shoot biomass of the herbal plant.

Keywords

• morphology
• dry biomass
• root
• nano technology