Myco-synthesized silver and titanium oxide nanoparticles as seed priming agents to promote seed germination and seedling growth of Solanum lycopersicum: a comparative study

摘要

Nanoparticles (NPs) are rapidly adopted in agriculture to improve plant growth and development. Nano-priming is one such strategy that utilizes NPs to enhance seed germination, seedling vigor, and improve crop resilience. This study is the first attempt to compare the effects of silver and titanium oxide NPs ( Tc AgNPs and Tc TiO_(2)NPs) myco-synthesized using Trichoderma citrinoviride extract as seed priming agents. Different concentrations of Tc AgNPs and Tc TiO_(2)NPs (25, 50, 100, 200, and 400?μg/mL) were tested for priming Solanum lycopersicum seeds, and the effect on seed germination, seedling growth, chlorophyll, antioxidant mechanism, and carotenoid content were evaluated. The study revealed that lower concentrations of Tc TiONPs (25 and 50?μg/mL) had a positive effect on seed germination and seedling vigor. However, unlike Tc TiONPs, lower concentrations of Tc AgNPs reduced the seed germination, seedling vigor, and showed an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase. The differences in the response for both NPs can be attributes to their surface charge, and concentration used. Overall, myco-synthesis of Tc AgNPs and Tc TiONPs can work as a green route to reduce the dependence on chemical mediated production of NPs for seed priming with the potential to improve the germination and development of tomato.