Graphene oxide assessment on the germination of Persian clover and buckwheat seeds

The increase in the use of graphene oxide (GO) allows different studies in several fields, and raise concerns about its possible toxic effect on the environment, especially in the early growth of plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of GO on the germination of Persian clover and buckwheat seeds. The seeds were placed on germitest paper in different concentrations of graphene oxide (0, 125, 250, and 500 mg L-1) and kept in a germination chamber at 20 °C (photoperiod of 12 hours). The evaluated parameters were seed germination and seedling growth (length and dry mass). Graphene oxide did not show toxic effects on seed germination and initial growth of both species up to 500 mg L-1. In this context, understanding the role of graphene oxide in the germination process and the development of plants will be able to contribute positively to understanding its possible environmental impacts when used in large quantities in ecosystems.