Response of Phaseolus vulgaris plants to foliar spray and soil drenching by silver nanoparticles (Ag+NPS).

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Paulista cv., to silver nanoparticles (Ag + NPs) levels i.e., 0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm as foliar spray or soil drenching. The results showed that superiority values of plant vegetative growth characteristics (plant length, number of branches/plants, and plant fresh weight) as well as leaf chlorophyll content, total green pods yield and pod traits (pod length, pod diameter, and pod fresh weight) were pronounced at 50 ppm foliar spray treatment followed by 100 ppm concentrates as soil drenching. However, silver nanoparticles at the high dose of 150 pp, particularly foliar spray, obviously causes decreases in plant vegetative characteristics, total green pods yield (ton/fed) and pod chemical contents of protein and carbohydrates. It can be concluded that silver nanoparticles can be used in low concentrations to improve the growth, productivity, and pod chemical contents of Phaseolus vulgaris plants.