Variations of the Phytochemical Compounds in Rose-scented Geranium Plant Exposed to Nanosilver Particles

Abstract

As a newly emerging frontier of the current century, nanotechnology has attracted significant attention due to its wide applications in various areas including medicine, biomedical engineering and plant biotechnology. The present study was carried out to explore the potential effects of nanosilver particles application on variations of plastid pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids) and essential oil content and composition of rose-scented geranium plants. Four nanosilver particles (5–20 nm) concentrations (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg.L-1) were used as foliar application. The essential oils were isolated from aerial parts of the plants by hydro-distillation method and then subjected to GC and GC-MS analyses to determine the oil constituents. Enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoids content were recorded in leaves of nanosilver treated plants when compared to the control. Nanosilver application at 40 mg.L-1 was the most effective treatment in terms of the positive effects on pigments and essential oil content. Also, 26 compositions were identified in essential oil and citronellol was the major oil component under all employed treatments. Maximum citronellol/geraniol ratio was obtained at 80 mg.L-1 nanosilver treatment, indicating the potential positive influence of nanosilver particles on essential oil quality in rose-scented geranium. The results indicate that the appropriate foliar application of nanosilver particles could maintain and enhance the photosynthetic pigments and essential oil content of rose-scented geranium plants.