A study to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Sonchus asper on fenugreek plant

Abstract

The present study was conducted on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) with an objective to study the effect of nanoparticles synthesized from Sonchus asper on several growth parameters viz. germination percentage, coleoptiles length, vigour index, fresh weight and dry weight, as well as on protein and DNA content. The research was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Silver nanoparticles treatment was given in five concentrations having 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 50%. A control plate was also maintained in which no nanoparticles was added. Seeds were inoculated on petri plates and incubated in BOD incubator for 7 days. After seven days seeds were studied for analyzing effect of nanoparticles on fenugreek growth. Seed germination results indicated that lower concentration of silver nanoparticles resulted in significant increase in seed germination as well as early seedling growth in fenugreek however, elevated concentrations (above 20%) exhibited toxicity to fenugreek plant. The positive influence on germination percentage, coleoptile length, fresh weight and dry weight was correlated with protein and DNA content which was also recorded to be highest at 20% nanoparticles concentration. The results of the current study concluded that the use of silver nanoparticles at low concentration exhibit a positive effect on germination and growth in fenugreek.