Impact of bio-nanogold on seed germination and seedling growth in Pennisetum glaucum

Enzyme Microb Technol. 2016 Dec:95:107-111. doi: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2016.04.005. Epub 2016 Apr 12.

Abstract

Nanotechnology is leading towards the development of low cost applications to improve the cultivation and growth of plants. The use of nanotechnology in agriculture will leads to a significant effect on food industry along with opening a new area of research in agroecosystem. In this paper gold nanoparticles were biosynthesized with Cassia auriculata leaf extract at room temperature and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The objective of this study was to investigate effect of synthesized bio-nanogold on an important food and biofuel producing plant Pennisetum glaucum. Positive effects were observed on percentage of seed germination and growth of seedlings. Improved germination and increased plant biomass have high economic importance in production of biofuel or raw materials, agriculture and horticulture. Although the impact of nanoparticles on plants depends on concentration, size and shape. The biological synthesized AuNPs can replace the chemically synthesized AuNPs used in gene transfer method. The study gives brief insight on nanoparticles effects on plants, brings attention on both positive and negative side of nanomaterial which can resolve phytopathological infections by stimulating nutrition and growth.

Keywords: Cassia auriculata; Gene transfer method; Gold nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Pennisetum glaucum; Phytopathology.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Biotechnology
  • Cassia / metabolism
  • Germination / drug effects
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pennisetum / drug effects*
  • Pennisetum / growth & development*
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Seedlings / drug effects

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Gold