Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on Germinated Fenugreek Seed

Effects of silver nanoparticles on plant growth parameters such as Root length, fresh weight, Dry weight, Speed of germination and % Germination contents of economic important pulses, Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum); was probed in the present research. The study was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Five levels of silver nanoparticles (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 μg mL -1 ) were used. After germination, daily supply with 15 ml from each concentration was carried out for 12 days during plant growth. Seed germination results indicate that AgNPs at their lower concentrations promoted seed germination and early seedling growth in Fenugreek, however at higher concentration showed slight adverse effects. Additionally, the lowest amount of these parameters was found with control plants, but the enhancing level of silver nanoparticles resulting in the reduction of these compounds. A significant positive influence on root length, root fresh weight and root dry weight root elongation was observed for all seeds in compared to those of unexposed control germination. The results showed that the effect of AgNPs was significant on germination percentage in P ≤ 0.05. The results of this experiment showed that the use of AgNPs increased the germination in Fenugreek. Key-words: Nanotechnology; silver nanoparticles; Fenugreek; Seed germination