Magnetic fields and titanium dioxide nanoparticles promote saffron performance: A greenhouse experiment

Abstract

Purpose: Plants are naturally influenced by magnetic fields. On the other hand, the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles may improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of plants. Research method: The effect of magnetic field and nano and bulk-TiO2 was studied on the yield of saffron in Nishabur County, Iran. The treatments included 5-mT magnetic field (at three levels of control, exerted magnet tapes into substrate, and the 24-hour exposure of the corms to the magnets) and TiO2 (at five levels of 0 as control, 1000 and 2000 ppm nanosized-TiO2, and 1000 and 2000 ppm bulk TiO2). During the growing season petal fresh and dry weight, flower fresh weight, stigma dry weight and corm weight were recorded. Findings: The results showed that studied traits were significantly (p < 0.01) influenced by the magnetic field and nano-TiO2. The highest stigma dry weight was related to the treatment of 2000 ppm nano-TiO2 and 48-hour exposure to the magnetic field, showing an insignificant difference with 1000 ppm nano-TiO2. Application of TiO2 nanoparticles in 2000 ppm increased stigma dry weight by 14.7 % and corm weight by 51 % compared to the control. Exposure of corms to magnetic field in planting media and pretreatment with it, increased corm weight by 13.6 and 26 % in comparing to control, respectively. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: According to the results, it is possible to use magnetic fields and TiO2 nanoparticles to stimulate the growth of corms and flower of saffron.

Keywords

• corm
• physical treatment
• stigma
• tio2