Use of nanoparticles to improve seed germination and seedlings abiotic stress tolerance

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Land degradation and fragmentation caused by surface mining, in-situ extraction, and linear disturbance features can have adverse environmental and social impacts. Land reclamation strategies combined with seed priming technology can potentially be used to improve plant establishment and revegetation success of boreal forests following anthropogenic disturbances. This project consists of three experiments aiming to determine the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on seed germination, early seedling establishment, and abiotic stress tolerance induction in seedlings of selected native boreal forest species. The objective of Experiment I is to determine the effect of nanopriming on seed germination and early seedling establishment. This will investigate the most effective combinations and concentrations of MWCNTs and the duration of stratification on seed germination of five native boreal species, including chokecherry, bearberry, common blueberry, low-bush cranberry, and red currant. The objective of Experiment II is to investigate the potential effect of seed nanopriming on abiotic (salinity and drought) stress tolerance induction in seedlings of selected native boreal species. We will evaluate the effects of nanopriming on abiotic stress tolerance and determine the optimum concentration of CNTs to improve the abiotic stress tolerance of autumn willow, Bebb's willow, and trembling aspen. Finally, the objective of Experiment III is to investigate the effect of nano-suspension foliar application on drought tolerance and plant growth in seedlings of trembling aspen, buffaloberry, low bush cranberry, and red osier dogwood.The methods employed should provide insight into a potential reclamation strategy, using established agricultural practices, in the presence of abiotic stressors, limiting native boreal forest species germination and establishment. These methods also remain relatively inexpensive, can be applied over a large area, and have long-term remediation potential. This research will also provide a collaborative opportunity between between University and College researchers and students.