Effects of Some Nanoparticle Applications on Seedling Growth and Percentage of Brutian Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in Open Field Conditions

Abstract

In parallel with nanotechnological developments, the concentrations of nanoparticles in environments are increasing today. It is important to recognize and determine the effects of these materials, whose effects on the environment are not sufficiently known. This research was carried out in a natural stand of brutian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.), outside its natural distribution area. In Ankara-Beypazarı province, where the semi-arid climate is dominant; the effects of silika, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, ZnO, TiO2, Au, CuO, and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with five different application doses (very high, high, medium, low, very low) on seedling percentage and growth of germinated brutian pine seeds were investigated in open area conditions. Data of seedling percentage (SP), height (SH), and root collar diameter (RCD) were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test. result of the research showed that the types and doses of the Np and their interactions made a significant difference on SH, RCD, and SP at 95% significant level. All types and doses of NP negatively affected the SP, SH, and RCD of 1 + 0 year-old brutian pine seedlings. It was determined that these values of the control seedlings were higher than other treatments. The average SH value of the control seedlings was 35% higher than those of the Fe2O3 NP application, RCD was found to be around 70% higher than those of the Cu NP application.