The Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Some Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

     Agriculture faces numerous challenges, one proposed solution to these challenges is the use of safe and environmentally friendly biotechnology. In the present study, the effect of bioproduced silver nanoparticles on improving the growth of Zea mays SF1280 F1 was investigated. Experiment at greenhouse was conducted during the 2024-2025 spring season in Wasit province on Zea mays SF1280 F1. Silver nanoparticles were used at concentrations of (0, 20, 40, 60) mg.L^-1, with 12 treatments (4 concentrations of silver nanoparticles × 3 replicates). The experiment involved foliar application. Vegetative characteristics were measured, represented by the fresh and dry weight of the root and shoot system, percentage of water content, root length, plant height, average stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and physiological characteristics represented by estimating the chlorophyll index using the SPAD method and the percentage of nutrients (NPK) in the roots and leaves. The experiment results showed that the concentration of 40 mg.L^-1 of silver nanoparticles achieved the best improvement in the growth of Zea mays plants. There was a significant improvement at P≤0.05 compared to the control group. The percentage increase for average weight of fresh and dry roots and leaves was 20.76%, 13.35%, 23.74% and 13.90%, respectively. In addition, the average water content of roots and leaves increased by 1.99% and 1.69%, respectively. The same treatment recorded an increase in the average root length, stem length, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area by 11.77%, 14.64%, 34.78%, 18.60 and 56.11%, respectively. In addition, an increase was recorded in physiological characteristics, including the average chlorophyll content by 3.78% and the average nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaves and roots by an increase percentage  to 22.58%, 32.53%, 26.21%, 18.55%, 25.74% and 19.37%, respectively.