Endophytic nanoparticles: Promising growth promoter, modulate biochemical constitutes in Vigna radiata seedlings, and antifungal activity

Over the years, nanotechnology has been utilized in the agricultural sector for sustainable production. The application of endophytes-mediated silver nanoparticles is gaining momentum in various sectors including agriculture. This current study aims to evaluate the impact of endophytic bacteria-mediated silver nanoparticles in promoting plant growth and improving biochemical constituents in Vigna radiata by using the nanopriming method. Bacillus cereus isolated from the flower of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis was identified and utilized for silver nanoparticles synthesis, this is called Bacillus cereus silver nanoparticles (BC-AgNPs). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by colour change and characterization by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FESEM, FTIR, DLS, and EDAX. Seeds of Vigna radiata were treated with different concentrations (1ppm, 2.5ppm, 5ppm and 10ppm) of BC-AgNPs. Plant growth was enhanced at a concentration of 5 ppm of BC-AgNPs. In addition, an increase in photosynthetic pigments, protein, and carbohydrate was observed in the nanoprimed seedlings when compared to that of the control. Also, the ability of the synthesized particles to inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi Penicillium janthinellum was examined. The results suggest that silver nanoparticles synthesized via endophytic bacteria can be utilized as dual-function agent in sustainable agriculture – both as a plant growth enhancer and as a biocontrol agent.