EFFECTS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES ON GROWTH AND DROUGHT TOLERANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) AT THE GERMINATED SEEDS AND THE SEEDLING STAGE

Abstract

In this study, Zinc Oxide Nanostructures (UZ) were synthesized by the sonochemical method and tested
in seed treatment of maize seeds. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design
with 3 replications. Corn seed was soaked in UZ solution with different concentrations (0.8 ÷ 3.2 mg/kg
grain) for different times (10, 90, 180, 270 min) and one control formula in which no UZ was used. The
results showed that the dose of 3.2mg UZ/kg of corn kernels soaked for 90 minutes gave the best results,
with the highest growth, germination rate, and seedling quality, drought tolerance index, relative
increase of 39.10% compared to the control formula. The result of this study is the scientific basis to
propose solutions to improve drought tolerance, growth, and development of some plant varieties in
Vietnam through the use of UZ.