Application of silver nanoparticles to improve wheat seedlings growth

In the current study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized under the action of "green" reagent glucose, on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat were investigated. Nanoparticles had a spherical shape and an average size of about 10 nm. Wheat seeds and seedlings were cultivated in Petri dishes for 3-7 days. After this, the number of germinated seeds, shoot and root fresh mass, and root length were measured. The results showed that the concentration range of 0.001-0.5 mg/L had no effect on seed germination, while the enhanced concentration induced an inhibitory effect. It was found that AgNPs had led to an increase in shoot and root fresh mass in the range of 0.06-1 mg/L and in the range of 0.03-0.1 mg/L, respectively. Beyond the concentrations up to 3 and 5 mg/L shoot and root fresh mass were inhibited respectively. Application of tested nanoparticles in the range of 0.005-0.5 mg/L caused an increase in root length of wheat. AgNPs at the concentration over 5 mg/L caused root length inhibition. The results show that AgNPs in the range of 0.06-0.5 mg/L may hold significant applications in agriculture and could provide as an alternative source of ecofriendly fertilizer for wheat. (paper)