Study on the production of silver nanoparticles from plant extracts for application in stimulating maize seed germination

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles are among the widely applied nanomaterials due to their strong antibacterial properties and effective ability to eliminate fungi and bacteria. In agriculture, silver nanoparticles are being studied as a potential alternative to chemical pesticides, contributing to enhanced productivity and biosafety. The green synthesis method with the aims to save cost and minimize chemical during silver nanoparticles production protecting the environment. Among various plant extracts, Terminalia catappa leaf extract was selected as a suitable reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from terminalia catappa leaf extract, and their structural morphology was evaluated by modern techniques such as SEM, XRD, and FTIR, yielding  a spherical silver nanoparticles shape with an average diameter ranging from 20 to 100 nm. The study also investigated the impact of synthesis conditions on the germination of maize seeds, with the optimal conditions 0.005M AgNO₃ concentration, synthesis temperature of 40˚C, and reaction time of 30 minutes that resulted in the highest germination rate and seed vigor index. Maize seeds treated with a diluted silver nanoparticle solution at concentrations of 4-6 times showed the ability to stimulate germination, providing a high germination rate and vigor index, with uniform development of the seeds.