Phytotoxicity and Stimulatory Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Seedling Growth of Moth Bean

摘要

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used nanoparticles and expected to enter natural ecosystem. We have investigated the effects of AgNPs on plant growth parameters such as % Germination, root length, shoot length, biomass, seedling vigor index (SVI) of an important pulses, moth beans (Vigna aconitifolia). Three concentrations of AgNPs viz. 50, 100, 150 mg/L were used to test the growth parameters. Among the treatments, application of 100 mg/L concentration of AgNPs proved best bygiving the highest values for percent seed germination, root length, shoot height and seedling vigor index. A significant negative influence on biomass and root length was observed for all seeds in compared to those of control germination. Application of 150 mg/L AgNPs concentrations decreased mean germination time in comparison to control. Overall, this study has shown that direct exposure of germinating seeds to AgNPs may cause phytotoxicity and underscores the needfor eco-responsible disposable of wastes and sludge containing nanoparticles.