Abstract
The interactions between nanoparticles and plant cells are still not sufficiently understood, and studies related to this subject are of scientific and practical importance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most commonly produced and used nanomaterials. This study aimed to investigate the influence of AgNPs applied at the concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg·L−1 during the process of in vitro germination as well as the biometric and biochemical parameters of developed seedlings in three vegetable species: Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Poranek’, Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus ‘Ramona’, and Brassica oleracea var. sabellica ‘Nero di Toscana’. The application of AgNPs did not affect the germination efficiency; however, diverse results were reported for the growth and biochemical activity of the seedlings, depending on the species tested and the AgNPs concentration. Tomato seedlings treated with nanoparticles, particularly at 100 mg·L−1, had shorter shoots with lower fresh and dry weights and produced roots with lower fresh weight. Simultaneously, at the biochemical level, a decrease in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids and an increase in the anthocyanins content and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activity were reported. AgNPs-treated radish plants had shorter shoots of higher fresh and dry weight and longer roots with lower fresh weight. Treatment with 50 mg·L−1 and 100 mg·L−1 resulted in the highest and lowest accumulation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaves, respectively; however, seedlings treated with 100 mg·L−1 produced less anthocyanins and polyphenols and exhibited lower GPOX activity. In kale, AgNPs-derived seedlings had a lower content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins but higher GPOX activity of and were characterized by higher fresh and dry shoot weights and higher heterogeneous biometric parameters of the roots. The results of these experiments may be of great significance for broadening the scope of knowledge on the influence of AgNPs on plant cells and the micropropagation of the vegetable species. Future studies should be aimed at testing lower or even higher concentrations of AgNPs and other NPs and to evaluate the genetic stability of NPs-treated vegetable crops and their yielding efficiency.
Highlights
Over the past few decades, Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been used in industrial sectors and in daily life, in biotechnology, and in agriculture, which has led to their inevitable release into the environment and ecosystems and has created possible hazards for all living organisms, including plants
Contradictions in plant responses to ENMs depend on several factors, i.e., plant genotype, ENMs type and properties, method and time of ENMs treatment, or interactions with different environmental factors
Each subsequent experiment broadening the scope of knowledge on the influence of nanomaterials on plants seems to be fully reasonable
Summary
Over the past few decades, ENMs have been used in industrial sectors and in daily life, in biotechnology, and in agriculture, which has led to their inevitable release into the environment and ecosystems and has created possible hazards for all living organisms, including plants. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most commonly used nanomaterial; nearly 25% of all nanotechnology products involve AgNPs. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties have contributed to their widespread use in healthcare, medical devices, building materials, textiles, cosmetics, household products, and foodservice. Silver nanoparticles are used in agriculture as plant growth stimulators, fungicides, or agents to enhance fruit ripening [4,5]. AgNPs are assumed to modify the structural components of cellular membranes, macromolecules, influence cell division and defense systems, and interfere in the physiological and biochemical processes of plants by altering gene expression [7]
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