Green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles and their effects on growth and yield of Pisum sativum
Shakil Ahmed, Sana Qasim, Madeeha Ansari, Anis Ali Shah, Hafeez ur Rehman, Muhammad Nadeem Shah, Umber Ghafoor, Syed Atif Hasan Naqvi, Muhammad Zeeshan Hassan, Saeed ur Rehman, Ahmad Faraz, Saniha Shoaib, Tahani Awad Alahmadi, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi, Rahul Datta
Abstract
Zinc is one of the crucial micronutrients required for the sustenance of growth and metabolism in plants. Zinc deficiency results in growth inhibition and chlorosis in plants along with low production of carbohydrates, proteins, and chlorophyll. The utilization of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) is an effective strategy to enhance growth in plants. The present investigation was carried out to determine the effect of green synthesized ZnNPs on the growth and yield of Pisum sativum L. Two pea varieties were raised in pots treated with various levels of ZnNPs. Zinc nanoparticles escalated the growth and yield of pea plants. Maximum growth and yield were obtained at 400 and 600 ppm as compared to control and zinc sulphated treated plants. In conclusion green synthesized zinc nanoparticles can enhance crop pea plant's growth and productivity. More investigations are suggested under variable agro-climatic zones for declaration of the best application rate between 400 and 600 ppm for different crops.