Influence of seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles on storage potential of pigeonpea seeds under ambient conditions

Abstract

Present laboratory experiment was conducted with an objective to know the effect of seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe nanoparticles (NPs) in comparison to their bulk forms on storage potential of pigeonpea seeds. Results revealed that seed polymer coating with Zn and Fe NPs had significant effect on storability of pigeonpea seeds. Among the treatments Zn NPs at 750 ppm was found to be superior in all the studied parameters viz., seed germination (96.00, 88.67 and 81.67 %), seedling length (25.67, 22.57 and 18.60 cm), seedling dry weight (85, 81.45 and 78. 45 mg), field emergence (89.67, 77.67 and 63.33 %), seedling vigour index (2556, 2001 and 1519), alpha amylase and dehydrogenase enzymes activities at 0, 6 and 10 months, respectively and it was statistically on par with Zn NPs at 500 ppm and Fe NPs at 500 ppm. The nanoparticles treatment didn't affect the seed moisture content (%) and insect infestation (%), however the significant difference was observed between polymer coated and uncoated seeds. In over all, the results of the study demonstrated the possibility of application Nanotechnology in Seed Science Research.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles from Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Leaves and Its Effect on Seed Quality Parameters of Greengram (Vigna radiata)

“…The reason for rapid germination could be that the nanoparticles might have penetrated into the seed coat facilitating the influx of water inside the seed or nanoparticles might have entered into the seed through the cracks present over the surface of the seeds and activated the enzymes in early phase, thereby enhancing the speed of germination [35]. These results are in conformity with the findings of Korishettar et al, [12] for Zinc nanoparticles at 750 ppm and iron nanoparticles at 500 ppm in pigeonpea. As a general rule, lower mean germination time (MGT) represents a faster germination speed.…”

“…The reduction in seedling length growth at higher doses might be due to the penetration of nanoparticles into cell wall and plasma membrane of epidermal layers in shoot and root and accumulation in vascular tissues [12]. Hence, the overall seedling growth of greengram reduced at higher concentration.…”

“…The enhanced seed germination was due to the penetration of ZnO NPs into seed coat and this stimulated the growth hormones especially indole acetic acid (IAA) [25]. The decreased germination at higher concentrations could be the increase in absorption and accumulation of these nanoparticles, both in extracellular space and within the cells resulting in reduction in cell division, cell elongation and inhibition of the hydrolytic enzymes involved in food mobilization during the process of seed germination [12]. Similar findings were also reported earlier by Prasad et al, [26] for ZnO NPs at 1000 ppm in groundnut, Jayarambabu et al, [27] for ZnO NPs at 20 mg in mungbean and Shyla and Natarajan [28] for Zinc oxide, silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles at 1000 mg/kg in groundnut.…”

“…Recently use of these elements in the form of nanoparticles is gaining importance especially for enhancing seed quality [12]. Germination increases with the decrease in size of the nanomaterials.…”

Nano-priming as emerging seed priming technology for sustainable agriculture—recent developments and future perspectives

“…Thus, the greater level of H 2 O 2 detected in nano-primed seeds could really serve as a signaling agent and was coherent with the concept of oxidative windows, leading to greater germination and hastened seedling growth compared to unprimed and primed seeds [ 10 ]. Korishettar et al concluded that the NPs of Zn and Fe, which have been implemented together with the seed polymer, are capable of entering seeds using the cracks and holes available on the seed coat during the seed imbibition and would enhance enzymatic activity and free radical scavenging by quenching the free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage [ 78 ]. The dehydrogenase activity as the major cell respiration enzyme, which is higher in nano-primed seed roots than in non-primed control treatments and other processes, can be directly linked to fast water consumption in nano-primed seeds.…”