Nanopriming technology enhances vigor and mitotic index of aged Vicia faba seeds using chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles

Abstract

This investigation was planned to utilize chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as a priming agent, for improving the germination of aged Vicia faba seeds. Application of AgNPs (0, 10, 50 and 100 ppm) to Vicia faba seeds led to distinctive endpoints indicating a reduction of aging-related genotoxic impacts at both cytological and physiological levels. Thus, priming with AgNPs induced a significant increase only in length of radicles, whereas the other determined growth parameters elicited non-significant changes in relation to control. In all treatments, total phenols increased slightly above control levels. Meanwhile, the highest value for catalase (CAT) activity was recorded with 100 ppm AgNPs. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased in the radicles but increased in the plumules with all concentrations used. Peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities showed an opposite pattern compared with that of APX. For cyto-genotoxicity and mutagenicity assays, all of the treatments induced a significant increase in mitotic indices above those of control. Concerning genotoxicity assays, treated V. faba seeds significantly showed lower percentages of micronuclei and chromosomal abnormalities below those of control, in both interphasic and mitotic cells. Furthermore, treatment with silver nanoparticles elicited lower level of genotoxic and mutagenic aberrations than those maintained in the control. In conclusion, with increasing of AgNPs concentrations, the mitotic cell cycle and seedling growth were increased as compared with control. To our knowledge, this is the first report for seven-year-old seeds using nanoparticles. Thus, utilization of silver nanoparticles to enhance plant vigor under unfavorable environments appears to be conceivable.