Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on the Vitality of Aging Tobacco Seeds

Purpose To reveal the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) on vitality of naturally aged tobacco seeds.

Methods Using naturally aged tobacco seeds (MSK326 and Y87, aged for 10-23 years) as research materials, four mass concentrations of treatments (0, 10, 20, 40 mg/L) were carried out to determine the effects of CeO₂ NPs seed priming on seed germination, seedling growth and physiological indicators, and its physiological regulatory mechanisms was explored.

Results Seed priming with four mass concentrations of CeO₂NPs could improve the germination performance of naturally aged tobacco seeds, with the 20 mg/L CeO₂ NPs having the best promotion effects on germination potential and germination index, and also shorten the germination time. Furthermore, the seedling height of naturally aged tobacco seeds after primed with 10 mg/L CeO₂NPs was significantly higher than that of the untreated control (CK), and the root growth of naturally aged Yunyan 87 seedling was also significantly promoted. Compared with the CK, seed priming with 10 and 20 mg/L CeO₂ NPs could extremely enhance the activities of peroxidase and catalase, and also help to remove malondialdehyde in naturally aged tobacco seeds.

Conclusion CeO₂ NPs with appropriate mass concentrations contributes to the seedling growth of naturally aged tobacco seeds, and its priming treatment can activate the antioxidant system and help to clear the lipid peroxidation products, and thus increase the antioxidant capacity of aged seeds. The results provide a feasible technical solution for the promotion of the vitality of naturally aged tobacco seeds.