PJB-2021-520
Enhancement of the Morphology and Biochemical Characteristics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by Green Synthesized Silver (Ag) Nanoparticles
Syed Inzimam Ul Haq
Abstract
Nanoparticles possess the ability to enhance the growth and improve biochemical profile of different plants. Silver nanoparticles have been used to promote growth and development of plant. In this experiment, AgNPs was biologically synthesized using Mentha arvensis L., and its effect was studied on growth and biochemical profile of Helianthus annuus L. X-ray diffraction (XRD) explained that the prepared AgNPs exhibited well-defined sharp peaks indexing to cubic symmetry. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) explained porous microstructure with no define grain boundaries. Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed Ag to be the main elemental species present in the sample. AgNPs was provided externally in three different concentrations (0, 5, 15 and 25 ppm) and in three different ways (seed treatment, foliar spray and combine treatment) on Helianthus annuus L. The results showed that AgNPs significantly increased the morphological parameters like shoot and root lengths, leaves’ number and fresh and dry weights. Plants treated with AgNPs showed significant increase in chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, soluble sugars, proline, and protein contents and enhanced the productivity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. AgNPs at a concentration of 25ppm was found to be more effective in enhancing morphology, increasing biochemical profile, and triggering the synthesis of antioxidant enzymatic activities in Helianthus annuus L. The results concluded that AgNPs enhanced the growth, improved the biochemical profile, and increased the production of antioxidant enzyme activities in Helianthus annuus L.
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