Evaluation of carbon nanomaterials and gibberellic acid on the germination and development of agave tobala (Agave potatorum)

Nancy Jazmín González-Aranza, Amaury Martín Arzate-Fernández, Hilda Guadalupe García-Nuñez, Jesús Ignacio Reyes Díaz

Abstract


Background: Agave potatorum, commonly called tobalá or papalomé, is used for mezcal production in different states of the Mexican Republic, with Oaxaca being the main producer. This species depends exclusively on sexual reproduction for its propagation, since it does not produce vegetative propagules, so its conservation and perpetuation depend entirely on seeds, which have reported a low viability rate, placing this species in a state of vulnerability. Objective: To evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and gibberellic acid (AG₃) on germination, initial development and greenhouse adaptability of A. potatorum. Methodology: Seven concentrations of MWCNT (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 & 150 mg L⁻¹) and two of AG₃ (250 & 500 ppm) were chosen at two imbibition times (24 and 48 h), within a two-phase experimental design. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The highest germination percentage was 32% with 125 mg L⁻¹ at 48 h of imbibition, being significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). AG₃ inhibited germination with percentages ≤7%, showing phytotoxic effects. Structural growth of seedlings was 19.6 mm leaf and 5.6 mm root with 25 mg L⁻¹ at 48 h of imbibition. Greenhouse survival was 100% with 50 and 100 mg L⁻¹ at 48 h of imbibition. Correlation analysis showed a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) between initial root length and survival. Implications: The use of carbon nanomaterials (50-125 mg L⁻¹ at 48 h) contributes to increased seed germination, which can be used for field establishment. Conclusions: MWCNTs improved the germination of A. potatorum seeds, while the use of AG₃ had negative effects on the seeds under the evaluated conditions.

Keywords


Agave potatorum; multi-wall carbon nanotubes; gibberellic acid; germination; phytotoxicity; conservation.

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i3.69090

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6909

Copyright (c) 2026 Nancy Jazmín González-Aranza, Jesús Ignacio Reyes Díaz, Hilda Guadalupe García-Nuñez, Amaury Martín Arzate-Fernández

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