THE INFLUENCE OF CERIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON GERMINATION OF SEEDS AND PLASTIC EXCHANGE OF PINE SEEDLINGS (Pinus sylvestris L.)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles on the germination of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seeds and the subsequent physiological changes in plastid pigments and phenolic compounds accumulation in the seedlings tissues. Brief soaking of pine seeds in solutions of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (2-4 nm) increases the germinating power and seed germination by 1.3 times. In pine seedlings, germinated from six month old seeds, reduction in chlorophyll b, phenols and phenylalanine content is observed in 14 days after treatment. Simultaneously, concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids increased. This indicates the overall decrease in phenylpropanoid synthesis. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that cerium dioxide nanoparticles, having entered the cells of Scots pine seeds, are engaged in the regulation of phenol and terpenoid synthesis in seedlings, which greatly affects the intensity of their growth and development.