Silica nanoparticle: Eco-friendly Waste Having Potential for Seed Germination of Wheat (Triticum turgidumL. Var. Sham) Under Salt Stress Conditions

Abstract

Abstract The germination, development, and production of directly seeded agricultural products may be impacted by a variety of abiotic stresses. Silica nanoparticle seed priming may be able to reduce these external stressors. Stress brought on by salt has now become a barrier to wheat (Triticum turgidum) farming success. The goal of the current research was to clarify the effectiveness of seed priming with silica nanoparticles in reducing salt-induced stress in wheat plants. In this research, silica nanoparticle at three distinct concentrations—300, 600 and 900 ppm—was used for seed priming either alone or in combination with sodium chloride (2.3 and 4.6 ds/m). The application of silica nanoparticles considerably improved seedling development while salinity stress greatly decreased germination percent and seedling growth. Seed priming significantly increased shoot length (11.53%) , root length (22.76%) , seedling length (17.57%) , shoot weight (35.56%) , root weight (19.14%) , germination stress tolerance index (91.55%), shoot length stress tolerance index (11.58%), root length stress tolerance index (22.6%), shoot weight stress tolerance index (35.54%) and root weight stress tolerance index (18.12%) under high saline treatment (4.6 ds/m). The significance of nano-silica in reducing the detrimental effects of salt stress on wheat seed growth is highlighted by the current investigation. The results showed that silica nanoparticle seed priming could enhance seedling early development under salt stress.