USO DE GRAFENO NA EMERGÊNCIA E GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE ALGODÃO (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Abstract

The use of graphene as a nanomaterial is a sustainable alternative for agricultural applications and has shown promising potential. This study evaluated the effect of different doses of pure graphene on the germination and emergence of cotton seeds. Two experiments were carried out: one using germitest paper, in a completely randomized design (CRD), and another in a sand bed, in a randomized block design (RBD), both with six graphene doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mL) and four replications. In the germitest paper test, a significant effect of the doses was observed on all analyzed variables. Germination increased up to the dose of 12.83 mL, with a reduction at higher doses. Root length increased up to 13.13 mL, and dry mass reached its maximum at 13.93 mL of graphene. In all cases, the absence of graphene resulted in the lowest values. In the sand experiment, no statistical differences were observed among treatments. Graphene shows potential as a biostimulant in cotton seed germination, but its effectiveness depends on the dose, application method, and type of substrate used.