~ 2048 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2018; 7(5): 2048-2052 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 JPP 2018; 7(5): 2048-2052 Received: 28-07-2018 Accepted: 30-08-2018 Pooja Solanki Department of Environmental Sciences, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India JS Laura Department of Environmental Sciences, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India Correspondence JS Laura Department of Environmental Sciences, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on seed germination and seedling growth in wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) Pooja Solanki and JS Laura Abstract Zinc deficiency caused by inadequate dietary intake is a global nutritional problem, particularly in developing countries like India. Therefore, Zinc fortification of wheat and other cereal crops is being urgently required and highly prioritize in research. A seed germination and seedling growth was planned to evaluate the influence of zinc application in various forms as Nanoparticles and Bulk. Wheat seeds were separately treated with different concentrations of nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) and bulk zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) suspensions (a common zinc supplements), respectively and the effect this treatment had on seed germination, seedling vigor, Root and Shoot length, Fresh and Dry weight, chlorophyll content were studied. These particles proved effective in increasing shoot and root growth and chlorophyll. Keywords: Nanoparticles, biofortification, micronutrient, zinc deficiency 1. Introduction Zinc being an essential micronutrient for biological metabolism is receiving worldwide attention because of increasing reports of zinc deficiency in food crops as well as in humans [1, 2, 3] . It is required for the normal growth and development of both humans and plants [4] . It affects the multiple aspects of the immune system and is necessary for functioning of cell mediating immunity and natural killer cells in humans [5] (Prasad, 2008). In the same way, it is crucial for the enzyme functioning in plants. It is used in the gene expression, stress tolerance [6] and pollen formation [7] . Zinc deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies and severely affects one-third of the World’s Population chiefly the rural communities [2, 8] . Inadequate intake of food having low zinc content is a major contributor to the prevalence of zinc deficiency in humans. Since wheat is the commonest cereal crop and contributed to the major calorie, protein and micronutrient inputs in the humans. In developing countries wheat provides over 50% of the daily calorific intake [3] . Monotonous diet especially on low zinc cereals like wheat is the main reason behind the zinc malnutrition in humans; moreover it has high phytate which further limits zinc bioavailability [9, 10] . Various reports are available indicating that 50% of the cereal growing soil around the World is deficient in zinc, which further lowers gain zinc content [1, 3] (Alloway, 2004; Cakmak, 2008). Moreover, processing of cereals after harvesting markedly decrease grain zinc and other micronutrients like iron [11, 12] . Hence there is a urgent need to increase the grain zinc content and bioavailability in the developing countries [9, 13] (Welch and Graham, 2004; Zhao and McGrath, 2009). In response to the aforesaid problem, different approaches have been suggested and applied in developing nations [14, 15] . The Biofortification is receiving great attention [16, 17] now a days to overcome the problem of micronutrient deficiency. Using conventional fertilizers for the fortification purpose have led to increased soil toxicity, so there is need to look for novel and smart nutrient delivery systems. Nanoparticles with smaller size, high surface are and high dissolution rates are the solution to that. Studies have reported about having positive effect of ZnO Nanoparticles on growth of Vigna radiata, Cicer arientinum, Cucumber, alfalfa, tomato etc. The effect of using nanoparticles as fertilizers varies from species to species. A very few studies are available on the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on crops especially on Wheat, which is the most common staple food for most of the developing country population. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentration of ZnO nanoparticles on seed germination, and seedling growth characteristics in Wheat ( Triticum aestivum).