Interference of Nanoparticulates in seed invigoration of Green gram

In the present study, the impact of four metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) viz.Ag, ZnO),ZVI and TiO₂ on physiological seed quality attributes of green gram (Vigna radiata) were evaluated. The synthesized NPs characterized and evaluated the germination percentage, vigour indices and physiological responses like catalase and peroxidase activities (seed quality parameters) of fresh, naturally aged and fresh accelerated aged seed lots of green gram. In naturally aged seeds, zinc oxide-NPs (1000 mg kg^-1) treated seeds showed 14.96% higher germination percentage, 24.81% higher vigour index I and (3696) and 33.33% higher vigour index II than the controls. The treated seeds with ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg^-1) under fresh accelerated aged conditions resulted in higher than 15.15% of germination percentage, 23.61% of vigour index I and 24.11% of vigour index II over controls. Moreover, ZnO-NPs treated naturally aged seeds showed lower electrical conductivity (EC) of 20.10 μ S cm^-1g^-1 than the control (26.60 μ S cm^-1 g^-1). Pertinent to catalase enzyme activity, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg^-1) treated naturally aged seed lots resulted in 356.89 μmol H₂O₂ mg^-1 min^-1 activity, 216.05 μmol H₂O₂ mg^-1 min^-1 activity in fresh accelerated aged seed lots.. Similarly, ZnO-NPs (1000 mg kg^-1) enhanced peroxidase enzyme activity in naturally aged seed lots (3.21 μg/FW/10 min) than control (0.72 μg/FW/10 min) that depicts 63.35% of increased enzyme activity. The present results showcases the ZnO-NPs as potent nano-priming agents in maintaining the seed quality parameters that ultimately establish better crop stand and field performance.