Contemporary research highlights multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a promising and efficient micronutrient delivery system for agricultural applications. The current study adopts a prospective applicant to modulate copper and zinc supply to enhance germination of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars: Gana F1 and Alissa F1. This study compared the significance of using multiwalled carbon nanotubes of CuO and ZnO, separately or combined, on seed germination characteristics. The fabricated CuO/MWCNT and ZnO/MWCNT were synthesized and then characterized using TEM and zeta potential measurement. After that, serial concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0cm³/L) of CuO/MWCNTs and ZnO/MWCNTs were prepared from the stock nanomaterials. The combined form CuO /MWCNTs + ZnO /MWCNTs was used at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 cm³/L, V/V of both nanocomposites. All three treatments were applied to seed irrigation, compared with negative controls irrigated with distilled water. Overall, the germination measurements indicated that both CuO/MWCNTs, ZnO/MWCNTs or the combined formulation, significantly improved seedling performance in Gana F1 and Alissa F1 at lower to moderate (0.5-1.5cm³/L) nano concentrations. At the same time, the inhibitory effect was found to be at the highest nano level (2 cm³/L). Furthermore, the data showed that Gana F1 outperformed Alissa F1 across specific germination indices. The single CuO/MWCNTs treatment exerted its maximum impact at a concentration of 0.5cm³/L in both cultivars. Whereas, ZnO/MWCNTs treatment at 1.5 cm³/L and the combined formula of CuO/MWCNTs + ZnO/MWCNTs (V/V) at 1.0 cm³/L. In general, the CuO/MWCNTs and/-or ZnO/MWCNTs irrigation approach can be beneficial for seed germination. Still vigilant, optimization is crucial to avoid adverse effects resulting from inappropriate concentrations and exposure durations. This optimization requires monitoring the physiological mechanisms involved and modification of nanomaterial applications on a case-by-case basis to achieve sustainable agriculture. |
