Seed Nanopriming Improves Jalapeño Pepper Seedling Quality for Transplantation

Nanopriming with metal nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising strategy for improving seedling quality in horticultural crops. This study evaluated the effects of hydropriming, ZnO, SiO2, ZnO + SiO2, a ZnMo nanofertilizer, and two commercial biostimulants (Osmoplant and Codasil) on the early development of Capsicum annuum L. seedlings. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, including biomass, stem architecture, number of leaves, chlorophylls, carotenoids, SPAD index, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity, were measured under controlled conditions. The ZnO and ZnO + SiO2 treatments promoted stronger root growth, higher pigment content, and higher NR activity. SiO2 alone and ZnMo showed intermediate improvements, while Osmoplant and Codasil had more limited effects. Multivariate analyses provided complementary information: heat maps revealed correlations between traits, PCA differentiated treatment responses, and radar charts integrated performance profiles. Overall, the results provide promising evidence that seed nanopriming, particularly with ZnO and ZnO + SiO2, improves seedling vigor and transplant potential in jalapeño peppers.