Nano-priming of Vigna radiata seeds with opuntia stricta-derived γFe2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract

The experimental investigation aimed to enhance sustainable and biocompatible nano-agriculture by examining the possible effects of biosynthesized nanoparticles (γFe₂O₃ NPs) on seed growth and growth parameters of Vigna radiata. The outcomes of various characterization procedures such as FTIR, XRD, UV, and Fe-SEM were used to determine the successful generation of γFe₂O₃ NPs (nanoparticles), which were capped with multiple phytoconstituents contained in the Opuntia stricta extract. γFe₂O₃ NPs were synthesised, as evidenced by the peak's presence, having a mean crystallite size of 13.9 nm, and were successfully detected using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Crucial Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) testing also yielded unambiguous proof of the element iron's presence. Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the synthesis of pure maghemite nanoparticles. Wide areas around 350, 500, 670, and 1330 cm^-1 values verify the creation of pure maghemite. TGA analysis was performed to check the stability of nanoparticles in which the residual weight was found to be 87.62%. TEM images confirm the spherical shape, and the mean size of the nanoparticles was found to be 12.28 nm. Through a number of tests, the analysis showed that the nanoparticles have a strong antioxidant capacity. This experiment aimed to determine how biogenic γFe₂O₃ Nanoparticles affected Vigna radiata seed germination. Measurements of shoot and root lengths, seed vigour index, germination rates, mean daily germination, and peak value (PV) were all included of the assessment. There was a total of four distinct γFe₂O₃ NPs concentrations examined (25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL). The penetration of the γFe₂O₃ NPs affects the germination and growth of the Vigna radiata seeds. When compared to untreated seeds, the germination index values for Vigna radiata seeds that underwent effective treatment with γFe₂O₃ NPs significantly improved.