Hediat M. H. Salama
Effects of silver nanoparticles on plant growth parameters such as shoot and root lengths, leaf surface area, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents of economic important pulses, common bean (phaseolus vulgaris L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) was probed in the present research. The study was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Five levels of silver nanoparticles (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm) were used. After germination, daily supply with 15 ml from each concentration was carried out for 12 days during plant growth. The results showed that small concentrations of silver nanoparticles had a stimulating effect on the growth of the plantlets, while the enhanced concentrations induced an inhibitory effect. However, increasing concentration of silver nanoparticles from 20 to 60 ppm has led to an increase in shoot and root lengths, leaf surface area, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein contents of the two tested crop plants. 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.
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