Influence of Silver Nanoparticles on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Vigor

Abstract

During this study on the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on growth of L-883 onion varieties Allium cepa L. AgNPs 100 nm size were used in four different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) and T0 was kept as control. The seeds of onion were brought from NHRDF Indore. The findings revealed that 25 ppm of silver nanoparticle led to the highest seed germination percentage as compared to other concentrations. On the other hand, all the other concentrations were found to have a harmful effect on both seed germination and seedling growth as the level of toxicity are strongly associated with concentration of the suspensions. AgNPs of 100ppm concentration was found to have lowest rate of seed germination, however non-significant difference was found in 75ppm and 100ppm concentrations. Therefore, a concentration of 25ppm of AgNPs proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting optimal seed germination and seedling growth in onions.