S.K. Chaudhari and R.M. Khobragade
Abstract
This study aims to explore on the production of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using bacterial species, as well as their foliar application to effectively boost the growth of Trigonella foenumgraecum and Coriandrum sativum. The bacterial reduction of sodium selenite into nano selenium was followed by optical and morphological characterization with a UV Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. Coriandrum sativum and Trigonella foenumgraecum were externally treated with SeNPs at varying concentrations (1 ppm to 4 ppm). Normal conditions involved giving the crop 30 milliliters of water every day for 65 days in three 3-inch organic biodegradable pots. On alternate days, the crops received foliar treatments of varying quantities of nano selenium. A 2 ppm concentration of SeNPs resulted in a significant increase was observed in plant height, shoot and root lengths along with their respective fresh and dry weights. However, plant morphological parameters declined gradually at greater doses (4 ppm) and lower values (1 ppm) in Trigonella foenumgraecum and Coriandrum sativum. As a result, SeNP concentrations of 2 ppm and 3 ppm were shown to be the most effective in enhancing the growth of Trigonella foenumgraecum and Coriandrum sativum under standard conditions.