Selenium nanoparticles and maize: Understanding the impact on seed germination, growth, and nutrient interactions

Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) are a burgeoning trend in agriculture and industry, with promising applications. However, multiple applications also raise concerns about the potential release of Se NPs in the environment and their impact on crops. This study aimed to assess the effects of Se NPs exposure on maize ( Zea mays ) seeds germinating in trays. We evaluated germination quality, seedling growth, fate of Se NPs, and their interactions with other nutrients at 1, 10, and 50 mg/L. The results revealed that 10 mg/L of Se NPs enhanced the germination rate by 16.6 %, while severely inhibiting it with 50 mg/L. The total chlorophyll content and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) increased in a range of 51.8 – 155 % in the seedlings with the exposure of 10 mg/L; however, the proline content increased to 349.4 % with 50 mg/L. Se NPs showed synergisms with Mo, Mn, Mg, K, and Cu in the seed, Zn and Mo in the seedlings, and antagonisms with Mg, Mn, Fe, and Cu in the seedlings. Se content increased between 90 – 350 % in the seed and 97.6 – 1210.5 % in the seedlings. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs showed deposition of Se NPs near the endosperm, where internalization over time could occur. This study reveals that while Se NPs can enhance maize germination and growth at specific concentrations, excessive exposure can severely affect the development of maize seeds and seedlings, potentially leading to significant economic losses. • Se NPs enhanced maize germination at 10 mg/L and inhibited it at 50 mg/L. • Maize seedling growth, chlorophyll content, and TAC increased with 10 mg/L of Se NPs. • Proline content increased by 349.4 % with 50 mg/L of Se NPs in maize seedling. • Se NPs’ synergisms with Mo, Mn, Mg, K, and Cu were observed in maize seeds. • The gradual absorption of Se NPs was confirmed through TEM and ICP-MS.