Evaluating Impacts of Biosynthetic Silver Nanoparticles on Morphophysiological Responses in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Journal Article

2024

In recent years, nanotechnology has shown promising potential to enhance sustainable agriculture. Besides their use as antifungal
and antimicrobial agents, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most widespread nanomaterials and are found in a capacious range
of agrocommercial products. This study was designed to investigate the responses of morphophysiological characteristics in barley
(Hordeum vulgare L.) to biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Spherical shapes with 8–20 nm size AgNPs at different
concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/L) were applied to barley plants in a hydroponic system. Following 7 days of
sowing, the growth performance, chlorophyll contents, oxidative damage, and the activity level of antioxidant enzymes were
quantified in different parts of the plant. The results indicated a remarkable boost in the growth performance and chlorophyll
contents of barley plants up to a concentration of 150 mg/L. Interestingly, the levels of proline, lipid peroxidation, enzymes;
superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), (APX), and (GR) activities were enhanced significantly in response to all AgNPs
treatments. In general, the application of AgNPs substantially improved the growth and related morphophysiological attributes in
barley. Our results provide new insights with respect to the effects of AgNPs on barley growth and their potential applications in
increasing the performance of other crop species.