Alleviation the effects of salinity stress using titanium dioxide nano and bulk particles in Echinacea seeds and seedlings

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of nanoparticles and non-nanoparticles of titanium dioxide on germination indices of Echinacea under salinity stress. Experimental treatments included nano and bulk particles of titanium dioxide at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, 100 and 150 mg/l and salinity stress from NaCl at levels of 0, -3, -6 and -9 bar. The results showed that Echinacea is sensitive to high salinity stress levels (-6 and -9 bar). The use of nano and non-nano titanium dioxide treatment improved some traits under severe salinity stress. The germination percentage did not occur at salinity levels of -6 and -9 bar, but the addition of nano titanium dioxide with a concentration of 150 mg/l and 50 mg/l non-nano increased germination by 50.6%. Application of nano titanium dioxide increased the seedling weight in control by 1.28 mg to 4.26 mg in the treatment of 150 mg/l nanoparticles. The application of nano and bulk titanium dioxide could significantly reduce the negative effect of high salinity stress levels. This can be a valuable and hopeful solution to solve the problem of salinity stress in Echinacea.