Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in Urea Solution in Laboratory Tests and Field Experiments with Crops and Vegetables

Abstract

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are increasingly important in modern science, economics, and agriculture. Their biological activity involves influencing plant health, physiological processes, growth, and yields, although they can also be toxic in the environment. A new fertiliser was made based on a urea solution with a relatively low content of AgNPs obtained by the reduction of silver nitrate V. Laboratory tests were used to assess the effect of a fertiliser solution containing 10 ppm AgNPs on the germination of agricultural plant seeds (barley, peas, oilseed rape) and vegetables (radish, cucumber, lettuce) and its foliar application on chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and seedling biomass. Field experiments were conducted to assess the effect that a foliar application of 15 ppm AgNPs in working liquid had on physiological plant parameters and yields of rape and cucumber. The AgNPs in the tested fertiliser reduced infestation of the germinating seeds by pathogens and positively affected the physiological processes, productivity, and yields of plants. Plant response depended on plant species and habitat conditions. Reduced pathogen infestation of seeds, higher germination energy, increased chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance, and higher seedling masses all occurred under the influence of AgNPs, mainly in oilseed rape and cucumber, and especially under thermal stress. The beneficial effect of AgNPs on the yield of these plants occurred in years of unfavourable weather conditions. The positive agricultural test results, especially under stress conditions, indicate that fertiliser produced with AgNPs as an ingredient may reduce the use of pesticides and highly concentrated mineral fertilisers. Such a fertiliser is fully in line with the idea of sustainable agriculture. However, research on the effects that AgNPs and fertiliser have on the environment and humans should continue.

Nematicidal Potential of Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aqueous Root Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra

“…Agricultural production needs to be enhanced to meet the demand of the ever-increasing world population. This could be achieved with the immense potential of nanotechnology in various aspects of agriculture such as the management of pests, pathogens, weeds and diseases, plant protection, maintenance of soil and water health, pollution monitoring, improving quality of crops, and developing nano-sensors [ 3 , 4 ]. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exhibit peculiar properties with a wide range of applications in agriculture, water purification, air filtration, pharmaceutics, catalysis, and textile industries [ 5 , 6 ] and thereby provide useful platform to explore various interdisciplinary fields.…”

“…Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exhibit peculiar properties with a wide range of applications in agriculture, water purification, air filtration, pharmaceutics, catalysis, and textile industries [ 5 , 6 ] and thereby provide useful platform to explore various interdisciplinary fields. Further, AgNPs can be used as effective antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and nematicidal agents [ 4 , 7 ].…”

Nanofertilizers: A Smart and Sustainable Attribute to Modern Agriculture

“…Chemical and physical procedures yield NPs that are more dangerous than those that are produced by biological approaches. Moreover, the organic NPs are less toxic to the soil microorganisms than the metal and metal oxide NPs [ 130 ]. Although NPs are being utilised to deliver nutrients to plants, the nano-toxicity remains a matter of concern for both humans and the environment [ 60 , 108 ]; hence, extensive research is required on the toxicity of biologically manufactured NPs.…”

Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Lemon Growth Performance: Insecticidal and Antifungal Activities of Essential Oils From Peels and Leaves

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) go inside the plant system and transfer via the vascular system ( Corredor et al, 2009 ). AgNPs have a positive influence on improving the growth and development of plants ( Shah and Belozerova, 2009 ; Jaskulski et al, 2022 ; Kannaujia et al, 2022 ; Mahajan et al, 2022 ). In combinations with carriers, NPs can be transferred inside the plant ( Kurepa et al, 2010 ).…”

“…In combinations with carriers, NPs can be transferred inside the plant ( Kurepa et al, 2010 ). NPs implementation supplies a new approach to increase plant productivity ( Sharon et al, 2010 ; Dutta et al, 2022 ; Jaskulski et al, 2022 ). Many studies found that the linkage does the absorption of NPs in plant cells to the protein carrier through endocytosis and ions channels ( Nair et al, 2010 ; Rico et al, 2011 ).…”