Biocompatible silver nanoparticles as nanopriming mediators for improved rice germination and root growth: A...

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have an important role in agriculture since they have several applications that are essential for the enhanced yield of crops. Furthermore, they act as nano-pesticides, delivering a proper dose to the target plants without releasing unwanted pesticides into the environment. Upholding the sustainable nano agriculture, biocompatible silver nanoparticles were synthesised utilising Piper colubrinum Link. leaf extract. Different characterization methods (TEM, EDX and XRD) revealed that AgNPs were successfully formed and coated with phytochemicals that constituted the plant extract. Enhanced root development during the early post-germination phase is crucial for the success of direct seeding in rice cultivation. The effects of AgNPs on the growth of plant roots are poorly understood. In this work, Piper colubrinum mediated AgNPs-primed Oryza sativa L. seeds, at various concentrations (0, 50, 80, 100, and 150 mg/L), exceeded typical hydro-primed controls in terms of germination and seedling growth. Oryza sativa L. treated with AgNPs at a concentration of 80 mg/L enhanced root elongation. Additionally, exposure to AgNPs significantly enhanced the content of chlorophyll. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) study revealed that the identified pathways like Aromatic amino acid biosynthesis genes, Fatty acid biosynthesis genes, and Carotenoid biosynthesis genes were the most enriched. Some of the genes associated with root growth and development like glucosyltransferases, Glutathione pathway genes, Calcium-ion binding pathway genes, Peroxidase precursor and Nitrilase-associated protein were up regulated. Overall, AgNPs treatments promoted seed germination, growth, chlorophyll content and gene expression patterns, which might be attributable to the beneficial effects of AgNPs on rice.