Silver Nanoparticles Seed Priming for Sustainable Enhancement of Durum Wheat Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Enrichment

Abstract

Achieving food security stands as a primary challenge confronting global societies today. This necessitates the development of effective strategies to increase crop productivity and enhance their specifications, aiming to meet the growing market demands sustainably and efficiently. This research was conducted over two agricultural seasons and emphasizes the ability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to promote the growth and productivity of durum wheat (variety Sham 7) cultivated under the conservative conditions of Deir ez-Zor. The wheat seeds were soaked before planting with a colloidal suspension of AgNPs, prepared through an eco-friendly method utilizing an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves. The best plant morphological indicators (plant height, chlorophyl content, number of branches, and number of spikes) were observed when colloidal AgNPs were used as a soaking solution compared with silver nitrate (AgNO₃)and deionized (DI) water as a control. The highest productivity parameters (grain yield, straw yield, and 1000-grain weight) were obtained when seeds were soaked in 40 ppm of AgNPs. Furthermore, the results revealed an increase in the nutrient content of grain (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). This study offers valuable insights into the prospective use of AgNPs for significant improvement in wheat cultivation, increasing productivity, and improving crop quality. As a contribution to facing future challenges in the field of agriculture and ensuring sustainable food security.