Influence of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on pollen germination and tube growth in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don

This study examined how pollen germination and pollen tube growth in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don was affected by biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Pteris vittata L. frond extract was used to synthesize AgNPs, which were then characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, EDS and SEM. There have been measurements of silver nanoparticles of different sizes (17 nm to 120 nm) with a mean size of 46 nm. Different concentrations of AgNP (0-100 μg/ml) were applied to pollen grains in a basic germination medium consisting of 5% sucrose solution added with boric acid and magnesium sulphate. The results revealed that addition of AgNPs had a substantial impact on pollen germination and pollen tube growth where basic germination media served as a control. Optimum concentration of 75μg/ml of AgNP was shown to be the most effective which improved percent pollen germination and pollen tube length. Microscopic analysis revealed changes in pollen tube morphology and cell wall integrity. The findings suggest that biosynthesized AgNPs can modulate pollen germination and tube growth in Catharanthus roseus, potentially impacting plant reproduction and fertility. Thus, impact of AgNP treated pollen grains might be breakthrough in the field of agriculture against pollen sterility as well as in hybridization experiments.