Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in Capsicum annuum L.

P S Brar; G Bhardwaj; R Kaushal

Authors

P S Brar Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry , Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Author
G Bhardwaj Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry , Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Author
R Kaushal Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry , Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Author

Keywords:

Bell pepper, growth, titanium dioxide, uptake, yield

Abstract

In order to test the effective concentration of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on growth, yield and nutrient uptake in bell pepper, two-year open field experiment was conducted with three replications and seven treatment combinations. TiO2 nanoparticles (size<25 nm) was applied with three levels (50, 100 and 150 mg/L) by using two methods i.e. through seed treatment and foliar application and one control without application of TiO2 nanoparticles. The full recommended dose of nutrients was applied uniformly to all treatments through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash (94, 202.50 and 39.60 g/plot, respectively). The results revealed that treatment comprised of TiO2 nanoparticles (100 mg/L) through foliar application produced the best outcomes and brought significant increment for all the growth parameters. Whereas, application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through seed treatment improved macro & micronutrient content and number of primary branches in bell pepper. Also, application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through foliar spray improved average fruit weight and NPK uptake in bell pepper. The findings concluded that application of TiO2 nanoparticles (50 mg/L) through seed treatment as well as foliar application and 100 mg/L through foliar application have the potential to enhance growth, yield and nutrient uptake in bell pepper.

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Author Biographies

P S Brar, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Department of Soil Science and Water Management
G Bhardwaj, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Department of Soil Science and Water Management
R Kaushal, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry

Principal Scientist, Department of Soil Science and Water Management

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