Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Vernonia cinerea leaf extract and evaluation as nano-nutrient on the growth and development of tomato seedling

In the present study, the leaves of Vernonia cinerea were utilized as an efficacious bio-reductant, stabilizing, and capping agent for biological/green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The nanoparticle (NPs) characteristics show that phytocapped ZnO NPs are in the nano-size range (1–100 nm). Fourier transforms infrared studies reveal the outline of the synthesis mechanism for ZnO NPs whereas X-ray diffraction analysis approved the crystalline structure of ZnO-NPs. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis defined the pureness and chemical constituent of ZnO-NPs. The microscopic analysis of ZnO NPs confirmed the spherical and non-agglomeration attributes of nano-particles. The commenced study reveals the outcome of phytocapped ZnO NPs on the growth of tomato seedlings. Results showed ZnO-NPs boost the morphological as well as physiological characteristics as compared to the bulk Zn. At lower doses, ZnO NPs give better results as compared to higher doses. The higher doses showed obstruction in the growth and development thereby recommending the 50 mg/L⁻¹of ZnO NPs exposed to tomato seedlings is beneficial.