Impact of Mesoporous Nano-Silica (SiO₂) on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Wheat, Pea and Mustard Seed

Abstract

Wide range of nanomaterial applications is helpful to promote sustainable agriculture to the point of nanolevel. With regard to this, biocompatible silica nanoparticles have been used as a nanopriming agent for enhancing seed germination in rabi crops like wheat, pea and mustard. The current study was carried out in a completely randomized block design with four replications. One part of nanosilica (8 g/L) and three parts of Gibberellic acid (GA3) loaded nano-silica (100 ppm, 125 ppm and 150 ppm) were used for the experimental purpose. The result showed positive significant effect of nanopriming with nano-silica and GA3 loaded nano-silica on seed germination percentage, shoot and root length, seedling length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigour index-I and II at P ≤ 0.05. A comparative study on germination percentage for three of the cereal crops was done and calculated further. It was found to be higher as 91% in wheat, 91% in pea and 75% in mustard. This effect of nanopriming directly help in elevating the activity of α-amylase enzyme, resulting in higher concentration of soluble sugar content needed for supporting seed germination and growth of seedling. In this paper, the nanopriming-induced seed germination is proposed, including the creation of nanopores for enhanced water uptake, rebooting ROS/antioxidant systems in seeds, generation of hydroxyl radicals for cell wall loosening, and nano-catalyst to fasten starch hydrolysis.

Comprehensive Metal-Based Nanopriming for Improving Seed Germination and Initial Growth of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

“…As stated by [15], nanopriming has also been proven to have an effect on plant growth, stability, and physiology, in addition to modulating seed germination. Similarly, previous studies reported augmentation in plant growth of maize primed with TiO 2 NPs [44], rapeseed primed with ZnO NPs [41], fenugreek plants primed with Ag NPs [45], wheat, pea, and mustard primed with SiO 2 NPs [46], and chickpea primed with Fe 2 O 3 NPs [47]. Nanoparticles, as the main actors in plant morphology, growth, and physiology, affect physiological characteristics through changes in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and enzymatic activities and modify leaf protein, chlorophyll, and total phenolic content (TPC) [48][49][50].…”

Silicic and Humic Acid Priming Improves Micro- and Macronutrient Uptake, Salinity Stress Tolerance, Seed Quality, and Physio-Biochemical Parameters in Lentil (Lens culinaris spp. culinaris)

“…It has been shown to boost seed germination, plant growth, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stressors. For example, seed priming with silicic acid enhanced seedling development and germination rates in wheat plants exposed to salty environments [36]. Similarly, it was also reported that silicic acid priming enhanced early growth and salt stress resistance in pea, wheat, and rice seedlings [37].…”

The efficacy of green silica nanoparticles synthesized from rice straw in the management of Callosobruchus maculatus (Col., Bruchidae)

“…Likewise, Alsaeedi et al 47 reported that all seedlings treated with SNPs had improved and higher germination characteristics and indices. Chourasiya et al 48 found that the percentage of seeds that germinated, the length of the shoots and roots, and the size of the seedlings were all significantly improved by nanopriming with nano-silica and nano-silica loaded with GA3. Recently, many studies supported applying nanosilica as fertilizer for crops where silica nanoparticles boosted the seed germination by their direct and indirect contribution in the growth of root and shoot 49 , 50 .…”