The Impact of the Use of Nanoparticles and Pulsed Electric Field on Oilseeds

Sustainable agriculture involves practices ensuring a balance between production efficiency and environmental protection. Coating rapeseed seeds with silver or copper nanoparticles can have a positive effect, increasing their germination rate as well as stem and root length. Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture can benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Additionally, the application of Pulsed Electric Field can contribute to increase germination in a shorter time than normal. This is caused by the opening of cavities in the plasma membrane and cell wall and increasing the flow of polar particles in and out. The aim of the study is to investigate the germination capacity of rapeseed seeds and sunflower seeds after PEF and nanoparticles application compared to a control sample and their effect on stem and root length. Nanoparticles were used at concentrations of 25 and 50 ml/l. Then, the seeds were exposed to electric current at 24 kV, intensity 1 kv/cm, 24 cm distance between electrodes, frequency 20 Hz, and pulse width 7μs. These values were constant for all seeds. The variable was the amount of energy supplied (kJ/kg). For rapeseed seeds and sunflower seeds 1; 5,5 kJ/kg. Control samples were carried out in water and another in a solution with nanoparticles. The germination for rapeseed seeds for AgNP and CuNP at a concentration of 25 and 50 ml/l at 1 and 5,5 kJ/kg was 95,0; 94,3; 88,3; 94,3; 93,3; 94,3; 96,0; 95,7; 93,3; 94,3% respectively. However, for sunflower seeds 91,7; 94,3; 96,3; 52,7; 93,3; 90,7; 96,3; 71,7; 89,7; 91,0% respectively.