Impact of Biogenic Ag-Containing Nanoparticles on Germination Rate, Growth, Physiological, Biochemical Parameters, and Antioxidants System of Tomato (Solanum tuberosum L.) In Vitro
Abdalrhaman M. Salih, Ahmed A. Qahtan, Fahad Al‐Qurainy, Bander Almunqedhi
Abstract
Tomatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are considered one of the most effective and nutritious foods in the human diet. Moreover, the fruit of a tomato is rich in phytochemical compounds such as carotenoids, vitamins, and phenolics which are beneficial to human health. The objective of this present research was to investigate the impact of biogenic Ag-containing nanoparticles on seed germination rate and germination speed index, the development of the stem and root system, and physio-biochemical parameters. Ag-containing nanoparticles were synthesized biologically using a silver nitrate solution and aqueous seed extract of Juniperus procera, which acted as a capping and reducing agent. The impact of different concentrations (0.0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 mg/L) of Ag-containing NPs on seed germination rate, biomass accumulation, phenolic compounds, total protein, enzymes activity, and total soluble sugar of tomatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in vitro has been tested. The obtained result demonstrated that Ag-containing nanoparticles have a significant impact on tomato seed germination rate, germination speed index, and the development of stem and root systems. As well as photosynthetic pigments, total protein, enzymes activity, phenolic compounds, and total soluble sugar. We concluded that Ag-containing NPs can be a promising nano-fertilizer for improving crop growth and production.