Exploring the Potential of Metallic Nanoparticles for Seed Germination, Growth Enhancement and Disease Tolerance in Naga King Chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Chhail Bihari *
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
A. Sarkar *
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
S.P. Kanaujia
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
C.S. Maiti
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
P. Alila
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
S. Banik
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
Ajeet Kumar
Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field experiment was carried out during 2022–23 at the Instructional-cum-Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. The study aimed to enhance seed germination, growth, and disease resistance in Naga King Chilli through the application of metallic nanoparticles. The experimental layout followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising ten treatments, each replicated three times. Naga King Chilli, known for its extreme pungency and economic importance in the northeastern region of India. The use of metallic nanoparticles has emerged as a promising approach within the field of nanotechnology. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of metallic nanoparticles on seed germination, growth, and disease tolerance. Seeds were treated with different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), and zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) to assess their influence on germination percentage, survivability, mean germination time, seed germination rate, leaf area, stem girth, and resistance to major fruit rot pathogens under in vitro conditions. The results showed that treatments with metallic nanoparticles significantly enhanced seed germination and early seedling growth compared to the untreated control. Among the treatments, higher concentrations of Ag NPs (40 ppm) markedly improved germination percentage (72.00%), germination index (7.42), germination rate (2.23 seeds/day), and disease tolerance (67.41%), while a moderate concentration of Ag NPs (20 ppm) resulted in the highest seedling survivability (100 %). The shortest mean germination time (42.65 days) was recorded in Zn NPs at 40 ppm. Overall, the findings suggest that the application of metallic nanoparticles effectively promotes seed germination in Naga King Chilli. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of metallic nanoparticles in improving germination, growth, and disease tolerance in Naga King Chilli.
Keywords: Capsicum chinense, metallic nanoparticles, seed germination, leaf area, disease tolerance, nanotechnology