Zinc oxide nanoparticles for enhanced seed germination and growthperformance in maize

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs),synthesized using the Sol-Gel method,by varying the pH and keeping the annealingtime (3 hours) and temperature (400°C) constant, were characterized and evaluated fortheir effect on seed germination(SG) and early growth performance in Zea mays. This experiment was conducted at DST-FIST laboratory of DevachandCollege Arjunnagar, Nipani from Dec 2023 to Jan 2024. Structural and crystalline studiesby X-ray diffraction spectrometer(XRD) revealed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO (JCPDS card No. 36–1451). The increased peak intensity ofthe diffraction peaks assigned to the (101) plane indicated particle-like properties of the product. The priming of seeds bysoaking in 10ppm nanoparticle solution enhanced germination percentage, and soil drenching at 10ppm concentrationafter one week of germination enhanced the growth parameters of maize crop.