Abstract
Seed priming uses treatments to improve seed germination and thus potentially increase growth and yield. Low-cost, environmentally friendly, effective seed treatment remain to be optimized and tested for high-value specialty crop like watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in multi-locations. This remains a particularly acute problem for triploids, which produce desirable seedless watermelons, but show low germination rates. In the present study, turmeric oil nanoemulsions (TNE) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from agro-industrial byproducts were used as nanopriming agents for diploid (Riverside) and triploid (Maxima) watermelon seeds. Internalization of nanomaterials was confirmed by neutron activation analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The seedling emergence rate at 14 days after sowing was significantly higher in AgNP-treated triploid seeds compared to other treatments. Soluble sugar (glucose and fructose) contents were enhanced during germination in the AgNP-treated seeds at 96 h. Seedlings grown in the greenhouse were transplanted at four locations in Texas: Edinburg, Pecos, Grapeland, and Snook in 2017. At Snook, higher yield 31.6% and 35.6% compared to control were observed in AgNP-treated Riverside and Maxima watermelons, respectively. To validate the first-year results, treated and untreated seeds of both cultivars were sown in Weslaco, Texas in 2018. While seed emegence and stand establishments were enhanced by seed priming, total phenolics radical-scavenging activities, and macro- and microelements in the watermelon fruits were not significantly different from the control. The results of the present study demonstracted that seed priming with AgNPs can enhance seed germination, growth, and yield while maintaining fruit quality through an eco-friendly and sustainable nanotechnological approach.
Highlights
Www.nature.com/scientificreports seed characteristics such as their thick seed coat, weak embryos, dense endotesta layers, and strong adherence of the seed coat to the cotyledon[5] have been noted as being significantly different from those of seeded varieties
Our group has demonstrated significantly improved germination in diploid and triploid watermelon varieties with iron nanoparticle priming compared to the unprimed group[11]
The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of AgNPs showed a peak centered near 410 nm in UV-vis spectra (Supplementary Information, Fig. S3C), confirming that the phytochemicals present in onion peel extract reduced the silver salt into AgNPs
Summary
Www.nature.com/scientificreports seed characteristics such as their thick seed coat, weak embryos, dense endotesta layers, and strong adherence of the seed coat to the cotyledon[5] have been noted as being significantly different from those of seeded varieties. Priming alleviates stress at the germination stage and results in higher rates of seedling emergence and successful seedling establishment[8,9] These biological effects benefit farmers because they reduce the time, expense of re-seeding, additional irrigation, fertilization, and weed management on weak plants. Our group has demonstrated significantly improved germination in diploid and triploid watermelon varieties with iron nanoparticle priming compared to the unprimed group[11]. This is probably due to the fact that nano-priming has the added advantage of being able to trigger certain metabolic processes that are normally activated during the early phase of germination. Silver-based ‘green’ nanoparticles have the added protective advantage because silver has proven anti-bactericidal and anti-fungicidal properties[12]
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