EFFECTS OF GREEN SYNTHESIZED SILVER NITRATE NANOPARTICLES AND BONE MEAL ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SESAME

The study investigated the effects of silver nitrate nanoparticles and bone meal on the growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum) in Makurdi, Nigeria. A factorial experimental design was adopted, with treatments consisting of varying concentrations of silver nitrate (200ppm, 400ppm, 600ppm, 800ppm) and bone meal (5g, 10g, 15g, 20g). Growth parameters, including plant height, leaf length, stem diameter, and yield parameters such as the number of seeds per plant and seed weight, were measured. Data were collected biweekly over 12 weeks and analysed using ANOVAwith significance set at p < 0.05. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in plant growth parameters except leaf width of 2.22cm to 4.96cm in the pre-treatment investigation. Application of AgNO3 nanoparticles (400-800ppm) caused significant increases in plant height and leaf length (p<0.05) from 40-60DAP. Bone meal at 10g influenced the growth of stem diameter at 60 DAP. Silver nitrate nanoparticles at 600-800 ppm significantly increased the number of seeds (82-85 seeds) while bone meal at 5g yielded the highest wet biomass (>60g) and dry biomass (<25g). Silver nitrate nanoparticles increased growth performances and biological yield while bone meal increased growth and physiological yield. Hence, both silver nitrate nanoparticles and bone meal are recommended as alternative fertilizers in boosting the productivity of sesame in Nigeria.