Effect of Nanosilver on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Pennisetum glaucum

Abstract

We have investigated the phytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on an important crop plant Pennisetum glaucum. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts of Cassia auriculata (Family: Leguminosae) by microwave irradiation. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy for their absorbance pattern, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed crystalline nature of the particles with face centered cubic geometry with mean particle size 13 nm and transmission electron microscopy to determine the shape of the nanoparticles. The seeds treated with synthesized AgNPs showed better germination but the seedling growth of tested specie was affected by exposure to concentrations of AgNPs. Silver nanoparticles may hold significant applications in agriculture and gardening by selectively inhibiting harmful fungi and bacteria presents on seeds and could provide as an alternative source of fertilizer that may improve sustainable agriculture. Thus, nano treated seeds can be used to lower the environmental impacts of chemical fungicides and reduce the cost of agricultural production. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.