Modulating response of Zea mays to induced salinity stress through application of nitrate mediated silver nanoparticles and indole acetic acid

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been amplified in different areas of science as well as agriculture in the present era. So, the present work was designed to evaluate the result of nitrate mediated silver nanoparticles (Nit‐AgNPs) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on physio‐biochemical features of the selected maize variety (Pahari white) under 40 and 80 mM salinity induction. Seeds were propagated in triplicates in earthen pots (18 cm inferior and superior inside diameter, 20 cm stature, and 2 cm breadth) filled with silt and soil (1:2) having 3.09–5.12 Electrical conductivity (EC), 6.8–7.3 pH, and 4–16% moisture contents. Scanning electron microscopy results showed the average particle size around 90 nm indicating a high surface area suitable for adsorption properties, agglomerated, roughly spherical, and were uniformly dispersed. Elemental quantification of biosynthesized AgNPs analyzed via energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy showed a strong peak at 3.0 KeV along with the presence of elements K, N, O, and C. Results of Thermo‐gravimetric Analysis (TGA)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) showed endothermic major decline at 150–300°C, while exothermic peak at 300–400°C. The growth responses at 40 mM salinity concentration have been reduced representing from the least boundary of chlorophyll “a,” “b,” and peroxidase content, whereas; this adverse effect has been reduced by operation of Nit‐AgNPs as separate treatment and in combination with IAA. From the current study, it has been concluded that salinity concentration at 80 mM adversely affected the values of osmolytes, protein, and superoxide dismutase whereas the maximum amplitude of proline reduced by the application of Nit‐AgNPs as distinct treatment indicating that the plant behaves normal with the combined application of nanoparticles and IAA.