Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Chrysanthemum × morifolium /Ramat./ Hemsl. is one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world, and its breeding remains a highly relevant topic. Recent years have been marked by the intensive development of nanotech-nology. Nanoparticles (NPs) easily interact with cells of living organisms, causing various effects. The research aim was to answer the question of whether nanoparticles can be used in chrysanthemum breeding as factors inducing vari-ability. In the experiment, CdS NPs, Co3O4 NPs, and Fe3O4@Co NPs were applied at the concentration of 75 mg·L-1
in the in vitro culture of internodes of chrysanthemum ‘Lilac Wonder’. The regeneration efficiency was determined,and the biochemical profile and stress response of adventitious shoots were verified. During further ex vitro cultiva-tion in the greenhouse, the color and type of inflorescence were assessed, and biometric measurements of the plants were performed. Genetic variability was verified using RADP and SCoT molecular markers. The use of CdS NPs and Co3O4 NPs limited the regeneration efficiency. The NPs-treated shoots accumulated less flavonols, more anthocyanins and polyphenols, and showed increased antioxidant capacity. The highest activity of oxidative stress enzymes (APOX,GPOX, SOD), and the lowest chlorophyll content were noted in CdS NP-treated shoots. The tested NPs also affected the further growth of plants during ex vitro cultivation. The longest stems were found in plants treated with Fe3O4@Co NPs, contrary to CdS NPs and Co3O4 NPs. The CdS NP-treated plants developed leaves with the smallest surface area,
perimeter, length, and width. Evaluation of inflorescences did not reveal qualitative variations in the color of ligulate
florets, however, quantitative changes related to anthocyanins content were noticed. The highest pigment content was found in ligulate flowers of Fe3O4@Co NP-treated plants. One individual (mutant) was phenotypically identified within Co3O4 NP-treated plants, with variegated leaves. The use of nanoparticles also induced genetic variation, with CdS NPs causing the most distinct polymorphic changes, as confirmed by both RAPD and SCoT markers. While Fe3O4@Co NPs and Co3O4 NPs also generated polymorphic genotypes, their effects were less evident, suggesting that NPs vary in mutagenic potential, but could serve as a novel tool for plant breeding.