Study of the Effect of Green‐Synthesized Nanoparticles on Germination of Cicer arietinum through Seed Priming Under Controlled Concentrations

ABSTRACT

MgO, ZnO, and a composite (Mg‐doped ZnO), were synthesized and characterized using UV–visible, FTIR, and XRD analysis. Their effects on seed germination and early seedling growth of Cicer arietinum were evaluated at two concentrations (5 mg and 25 mg per 50 mL) and two time points (8 and 16 days). At 16 days, ZnO nanoparticles (5 mg) achieved 100% germination, with a mean root length of 9.56 ± 3.97 cm and shoot length of 2.00 ± 1.06 cm. MgO nanoparticles (5 mg) showed 90% germination, with root and shoot lengths of 9.38 ± 2.12 cm and 2.46 ± 1.12 cm, respectively. The fresh mass of nanoparticle treatments (0.92 ± 0.16 g) was higher than the control (0.58 ± 0.42 g), but dry weight was lower (0.28 ± 0.05 g vs. 0.52 ± 0.08 g), indicating enhanced water uptake rather than true biomass accumulation at this early stage. The Seedling Vigor Index (SVI) was highest for ZnO nanoparticles (958), suggesting better seedling health. These results are preliminary due to limited sample size ( n = 5 per treatment, no biological replication) and require validation with larger experiments. ZnO and MgO nanoparticles at low concentrations (5 mg/50 mL) have potential as effective seed priming agents.