Improvement in Seed Performance and Fruit Yield through Seed Nano-Priming with Silver Nanoparticles in Capsicum (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of seed nano-priming with bio-synthesised silver nanoparticles-SNP on germination, seedling establishment, and fruit yield in capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) cv. HC-201. Though nanoparticles are being developed for various potential applications, several concerns are related to their agricultural use. In the present study, seeds were treated by soaking with SNP solutions (25-1000 mg L-1) for 16 h before placing for germination. Seed pre-treatment with 200 mg L-1 SNP improved seed germination to 86.0+3.2 % over the control (66.7+3.2 %) and the other nano-priming treatments. The rate of germination was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the treated (Timson’s Index: 43.7+2.4) than in the control (Timson’s Index: 35.1+2.4) seeds. The pre-germination treatment also enhanced germination potential and emergence index. Seedling development was better in seeds treated with 200 mg L-1 SNP (53.3+3.2 %) than in the control (42.0+3.2 %). However, the higher concentrations of SNPs inhibited seed germination parameters. Pre-treatment with 75 mg L-1 SNP for 16 h resulted in higher fruit yield (170.9+16.5 g) over the control (141.4+16.5 g) and other treatments. Thus, the results revealed improved seed germination, seedling growth, and fruit yield in response to pre-treatment with 75-200 mg L-1 SNP in capsicum.