Optimizing Nanopriming Duration: Chitosan-Stabilized Iron Oxide Enhances Lettuce Seedling Performance and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Climate change and nutrient limitations pose significant threats to seed germination and seedling establishment.
• Sustainable strategies are crucial for enhancing crop resilience and productivity.
• Green chemistry principles guide the development of environmentally friendly agricultural solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a green nanopriming method using chitosan-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles for lettuce seed enhancement.
• To determine the optimal duration for nanoparticle seed priming.
• To assess the economic feasibility and scalability of the nanopriming approach.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with chitosan via a low-energy aqueous co-precipitation process.
• Priming lettuce seeds with a 1 ppm nanoparticle suspension for varying durations (2, 6, 8, 16, 24 hours).
• Evaluation of germination rates, seedling growth (shoot and root elongation), and biomass accumulation.

Main Results:

• The 8-hour priming treatment significantly improved germination rate (96.67%), shoot and root elongation, and biomass accumulation.
• Chitosan enhanced nanoparticle dispersion, colloidal stability, and seed interaction, indicated by a +35.5 mV surface charge.
• Longer priming durations (16 and 24 hours) led to reduced performance, suggesting potential overstimulation.

Conclusions:

• Optimized nanopriming duration using chitosan-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles is a sustainable and economical strategy for improving crop establishment.
• The green synthesis method aligns with environmental responsibility and avoids hazardous reagents.
• The cost-effective production supports the scalability of this approach for agricultural applications.