A recent study published in Scientific Reports explores using graphene oxide (GO) as a seed coating to enhance maize seedling growth. With the growing demand for increased food production, particularly in the face of challenging climatic conditions, researchers are investigating innovative methods to improve crop yields. Maize, a key staple crop, is highly influenced by seed quality and environmental factors, making advancements like GO-based treatments particularly relevant.
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Background
GO is known for its unique structural and chemical properties, making it an attractive candidate for nanotechnology applications, including agriculture. Its high surface area, mechanical strength, and ability to interact with biological molecules offer potential benefits for plant growth. Previous studies suggest that nanomaterials can enhance seed germination, improve nutrient uptake, and increase plant resilience against stressors such as drought and pests. Carbon-based nanomaterials like GO are gaining attention for their non-toxic and environmentally friendly characteristics in agricultural applications.
The Study
The researchers investigated the effects of different GO concentrations on maize seedling growth under controlled conditions. Maize seeds were coated with a composite formulation containing commercial seed treatment agents and varying GO concentrations: 0 g/L (control), 22 g/L (T1), 44 g/L (T2), 66 g/L (T3), and 88 g/L (T4). The coated seeds were sown in polyethylene basins filled with soil characterized by specific physical and chemical properties, including pH and nutrient content.
The study used a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment group. After 30 days of cultivation in a greenhouse, key growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight were measured. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also used to analyze the GO structure and its effects on seedling morphology.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that GO seed coatings significantly improved maize seedling growth, with notable increases in total root length. Compared to the control group, treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 exhibited root length increases of 23.82 %, 79.34 %, 48.79 %, and 20.98 %, respectively. The T2 treatment (44 g/L GO) demonstrated the highest increase in root length.
Aboveground growth measurements—such as stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight—followed a similar trend, increasing up to T2 before declining at higher concentrations. This suggests an optimal GO concentration for stimulating growth, beyond which excessive amounts may hinder physiological processes. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing GO levels for maximum benefits.
The enhanced root development observed in GO-treated seedlings is likely due to improved water and nutrient absorption. GO’s physicochemical properties may also influence plant signaling pathways that promote growth. Interestingly, while root development showed significant differences across treatments, plant height remained relatively unchanged, indicating that root systems play a crucial role in early seedling establishment.
Characterization techniques provided further insights into GO’s interactions with plant tissues. Raman spectroscopy revealed details about GO’s graphitization and defect levels, offering valuable information on its reactivity in agricultural applications. While the study highlights GO’s potential to enhance seedling vigor, it also underscores the complex interactions affecting overall plant development, warranting further investigation.
Conclusion
This study indicates that GO may be a useful seed coating agent for improving maize seedling growth under controlled conditions. Optimizing GO concentration resulted in measurable increases in root length, fresh weight, and dry biomass, suggesting potential benefits for nutrient uptake and plant health.
These findings suggest possible applications in agriculture, particularly in suboptimal growing conditions. Future research should examine the long-term effects of GO on crop yield and resilience in various environmental settings to assess its broader agricultural viability.
Journal Reference
Zhang X., et al. (2025). Regulation of photosynthetic characteristics carbon and nitrogen metabolism and growth of maize seedlings by graphene oxide coating. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-87269-0, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-87269-0