Effect of green synthesized silver and silicon nanoparticles on seed quality parameters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut is cultivated worldwide for its nutritional and economic value. It is typically stored for about 6-9 months before sowing, during which the seed viability can deteriorate rapidly due to lipid peroxidation. Keeping these in view present experiment was carried out during the year 2023-24 to investigate the effect of green synthesized silver and Silicon nanoparticles on seed quality attributes in groundnut with eight treatments viz., T­1, T­2 and T­3 seeds primed with silver nanoparticles at concentration of 500, 750 and 1000 ppm respectively for 45 minutes, T­4, T­5 and T­6 seeds primed with Silicon nanoparticles at concentration of 250, 500 and 750 ppm respectively for 45 minutes, T­7 – hydropriming, T­8 – control in three replications through Completely randomized design. Results showed that seeds primed with silver nanoparticles at 1000 ppm recorded significantly higher seed germination, seedling vigour index and other seed quality parameters as compared to control. The positive impact of green nano particles on seed quality parameters is due to the penetration of nanoparticles into the seed coat thereby facilitating the influx of water into the seed and activating early-phase enzymes and thereby leading to enhanced seed germination and consistently maintaining the viability and vigour in the primed seeds.