Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The purpose of this work was to investigate how AgCu nanoparticle (NP) seed priming could mitigate the effect of salinity on chickpea seed production using a multi-faceted growth assessment process measuring: growth; chlorophyll and carotenoid levels; total phenolic content; and antioxidant activity. To conduct this experiment three groups of chickpea seeds were primed with three different concentrations of AgCu NP (0, 10, and 20ppm) and subsequently grown under differing levels of salinity during the duration of the experiment. Salinity had a significant negative impact on the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoid present in chickpea plants as well as the overall increase in plant growth parameters. Additionally, AgCu NP seed treatment improved plant photosynthetic stability by providing increased levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid as compared to control plants exposed to salinity. In addition, AgCu NP seed treated plants had increased levels of total phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity providing effective protection against oxidative stress by preventing or neutralizing reactive oxygen species and the maintenance of cellular integrity. In general, the priming of the nanoparticles enhanced the antioxidant defense mechanisms and maintained photosynthetic activity, which led to the enhanced growth of chickpea under salinity condition.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204490878