The effect of green silver nanoparticles on spinach (Spinacia oleracea) seed germination under salt stress

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses for plants and its adverse effects on different stages of plant growth and yield have been reported. Salinity can reduce seed germination as the most sensitive stage of plant growth. The use of silver nanoparticles has been suggested to improve the germination of some plants in salinity conditions. On the other hand, consuming spinach is highly recommended due to its high nutritional value. In this study, aloe vera extract was used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Then, the effects of salinity on seed germination of spinach and the role of silver nanoparticles on seed germination indices in this plant were investigated. The formation of silver nitrate nanoparticles was investigated using a spectrophotometer, XRD analysis, and electron microscopy. Spherical nanoparticles, with an average size of 11.97 nm to 29.46 nm were observed. Treatments in a completely randomized design with three replications of green silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80 and 100 ppm and salinity at four levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 mM on spinach seed germination process were investigated . The results showed that the germination process under salinity conditions decreased significantly compared to the control group. Treatment of 40 ppm concentration of silver nanoparticles for different levels of salinity had a significantly increased effect on germination indices at 1% level .