Effect of Nano-silver Fertilization on the Tolerance of Salt Stress by Irrigation with Saline Water in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Background: The problem of salinity is increasing day by day and requires innovative solutions. Therefore, this study attempts to find an alternative to industrially manufactured fertilizers used for stimulating plant growth and productivity under salt-stress environments, using nano-formulations from plant sources (phytotechnology). Methods: The study was performed in the Department of Ecology laboratories at the University of Kufa, also in the Harmoush farms located along the Najaf-Karbala road, during the 2023-2024 growing season. The crude aqueous extract of Schanginia aegyptiaca was used for the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (S-AgONPs). A factorial field trial was adopted in a completely randomized block design, the first factor, with three concentrations of foliar fertilizer containing S-AgONPs (0, 3, 6) ml/L and the second factor with three concentrations of salt water: 0 (tap water), 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Result: The results presented that foliar application with S-AgONPs at a concentration of 6 ml/L improved vegetative growth, including plant height, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and total chlorophyll in leaves. The use of saline water at a concentration of 50 mM NaCl had a significant impact on the plant growth parameters against the unsprayed plants. Interaction between both factors revealed significant impacts on the vegetative growth characteristics. S-AgONPs from the aqueous extract of S. aegyptiaca, at very low concentrations, have proven effective in stimulating the studied parameters under salt stress conditions, opening the horizon to their potential use in agriculture and fertilizer production.