Effects of seed priming and foliar application of Se nanoparticles in the germination, seedling growth, and reproductive stage of tomato and maize

Abstract

Sustainable approaches, such as nanotechnology-based strategies, are being researched to increase the productivity of crops. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanopriming with selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and maize (Zea mays). Additionally, the impact of Se NPs delivered through a foliar application during the reproductive stage of both crops was evaluated. The results showed that Se NPs inhibited the germination rate in maize by up to 100 % but increased the germination rate and vigor index in tomato by 50 and 208 %, respectively (at 10 ppm of Se NPs). Chlorophyll and proline contents were significantly affected in both crops (tomato and maize), suggesting that Se NPs activated the stress defense systems. In contrast, the foliar application of Se NPs on tomato in the reproductive stage increased the length and width of the stem by 10.8 and 4.3 %, respectively. The chlorophyll content increased by 30.8 % at 10 ppm of Se NPs. Additionally, the proline content of reproductive maize plants increased by up to 1303.6 %, indicating significant stressful conditions caused by the exogenous delivery of Se NPs. These results suggested that nanopriming seeds and foliar application of Se NPs positively impacted tomato. Conversely, the germination of maize seeds and the development of reproductive plants were severely inhibited by Se NPs.