Impact of silver nanoparticles on plant growth, some biochemical aspects, and yield of fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Abstract

The use of nanotechnology can ensure food security via improving crop production. Nanoparticles have the ability to enhance growth and yield of different plants such as fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (Fabaceae). The present work aims to study the role of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on growth, some biochemical aspects, and the yield both quantitatively and qualitatively of fenugreek plant. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction of silver nitrate with trisodium citrate. Foliar application of AgNPs with different concentrations (20, 40, and 60 mg/l) improved the growth parameters of fenugreek plant (e.g., shoot length, number of leaves/plant, and shoot dry weight) and increased some biochemical aspects such as photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) and indole acetic acid (IAA) contents thus enhanced the yield quantity (number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, weight of seeds/plant, and seed index) and quality (carbohydrate%, protein%, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins contents) of the yielded seeds as well as increasing antioxidant activity of the yielded seeds. The most effective treatment was 40 mg/l as it caused the highest increases in the studied parameters.