Influence of different nanoformulations on soybean seed quality parameters

Abstract

Application of nanoscience in phytopathology has shown a rapid progress in recent days. Nanoparticles applied through seed treatment improves seed germination, growth and seedling vigour along with its properties of antimicrobial effect. In the present study, influence of four nanoformulations viz. chitosan based zinc, Pseudomonas fluorescens based zinc, pomegranate aril based sulphur and pomegranate aril based silver nanoformulation was assessed on soybean seed quality parameters. All four nanoformulation promoted germination per cent, seedling length, seedling vigour and dry weight. Pomegranate aril based silver nanoformulation @500 ppm was found best because, it suppressed fungal infection (97.33%) during germination effectively in addition to positive influence on seedling growth (seedling vigour index-2831), which is on par with Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS (2 g/Kg of seed) fungicide. A trend of decreasing germination per cent and seedling vigour index of soybean JS 335 seeds were observed while using higher concentration (above 1000 ppm) of pomegranate aril based sulphur nanoformulation due to its toxicity. Further, these results can be effeciently utilized in choosing nanoformulation for management of diseases.