The effects of titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles on physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant properties of plant ( L).

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs) are widely used in agriculture in order to increase the yield and growth characteristics of plants. This study investigated the effects of TiONPs on photosynthetic pigments and several biochemical activities and antioxidant enzymes of the plant. Different concentrations of nanoparticles (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) at five levels were sprayed on plants on the 30th day of the experiment. TiONPs at different concentrations had positive effects on root and shoot dry weight and a negative effect on leaf dry weight. The amount of chlorophyll increased with the concentration of TiONPs; however, the amount of chlorophyll showed a decreasing trend while the total chlorophyll had a constant trend. The highest amount of soluble sugar was obtained in the treatment of 200 ppm nanoparticles. The application of TiONPs did not have any effect on the content of proline and soluble proteins of plant. The effects of foliar TiONPs, compared to the control, showed a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In general, TiONPs had a favorable effect on dry matter production and some antioxidant and biochemical properties of the plant.