Effects of Seed Nanopriming via Graphene Quantum Dot Coating on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germination under Cold and Salinity Stress

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This study aimed to evaluate the effects of graphene quantum dot (GQD)–based seed nanopriming applied by seed coating on the germination of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) germination under cold and salinity stress conditions. GQDs were applied at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg L⁻¹ using a biopolymer-based aqueous coating medium. Seeds were subjected to two temperature regimes (25 °C and 15 °C) and two salinity levels (0 and 100 mM NaCl). Germination performance was evaluated based on radicle and plumule emergence, germination percentage, and mean germination time (MGT). The results showed a biphasic dose–response pattern, in which 200 mg L⁻¹ GQDs significantly improved radicle elongation, germination rate, and germination uniformity. In contrast, the highest concentration (400 mg L⁻¹) showed inhibitory effects, indicating a concentration-dependent response. Under salinity and low-temperature stress, GQD-based nanopriming partially reduced stress-related limitations and supported early seedling performance. Although GQDs promoted early radicle emergence at 15 °C, plumule development was not observed under cold conditions, indicating that low temperature remained a limiting factor for seedling growth. Overall, the findings indicate that optimally applied GQD-based seed coating has potential to improve chickpea germination and early establishment under adverse environmental conditions.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.