|
Abstract
|
In the present study, an eco-friendly process was made for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles
using aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The process was characterized by Fourier Transform
Infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–
visible and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These green silver nanoparticles (NPs) were used for mitigating
the adverse effects of salinity on seed germination and growth parameters in plants. Accordingly, two
experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, seven concentrations of green silver NPs and
nine levels of NaCl:CaCl were apptoed on seeds for germination, and their effects were evaluated. In
the second experiment, three concentrations of green silver NPs and NaCl were hypothesized to affect
plant growth parameters. Seed germination, plant height, leaf, and root fresh and dry weights, as well
as relative water content (RWC), decreased significantly under salt stress. However, green silver NPs
intervened by alleviating the adverse effects of stress. Accordingly, green silver NPs were beneficial
due to (1) activation of the antioxidant system by enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as catalase
(CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); (2) increase
in the amounts of proline, soluble sugars and carbohydrates for osmoprotection; (3) improvements in
flavonoid and anthocyanin contents. Real-time PCR showed that flavonoid and anthocyanin contents
increased because of higher expressions in chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3‐hydroxylase (F3H),
and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) genes. In conclusion, green silver NPs offered an eco-friendly
application for further research on agricultural development.
|