Comparative assessment of biosynthesized Zn, Cu, and Mn nanoparticles on germination and early growth of Oryza sativa in ferruginous soil
November 12, 2025
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| Article Title: | Comparative assessment of biosynthesized Zn, Cu, and Mn nanoparticles on germination and early growth of Oryza sativa in ferruginous soil |
| Authors: | Igiebor F.A., Asia M., Ikhajiagbe B. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Computing, Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | The need for sustainable farming practices to address environmental challenges like elevated soil metal levels, which can affect agricultural productivity, has been emphasized. This study investigates the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (ZnNPs, CuNPs, and MnNPs) using leaf extracts of Carica papaya, Azadiracta indica, and Hibiscus sabdariffa, and their effects on the growth of rice (Oryza sativa). The experiment was conducted at the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Botanic Garden, University of Benin, Nigeria, using ferruginous soil from the same site. Nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing plant extracts with respective metal salt solutions under controlled conditions and characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry. Rice plants were foliar sprayed with the biosynthesized nanoparticles at varying concentrations, and growth parameters such as plant height, leaf length, and number of leaves was monitored over 11 weeks. Soil analysis showed near-neutral pH (6.47) and a sand-dominated texture. Nanoparticles demonstrated distinct absorption peaks, with the highest activity observed at 4 hours post-synthesis. The results revealed significant enhancement in growth compared to the control, with CuNPs showing the greatest increase in plant height and leaf length at a 25 % concentration. ZnNPs and MnNPs showed more modest improvements, with the 25 % concentration of ZnNPs yielding the highest leaf length. This study concludes that biosynthesized nanoparticles positively influenced rice growth, suggesting their potential as natural growth enhancers in agriculture. Future research should explore the mechanisms of nanoparticle uptake and their long-term effects on soil and plant health. |
| Keywords: | biosynthesis, nanoparticles, rice growth, nanoparticle concentration, plant growth enhancers. |
| *Correspondence: | Francis Aibuedefe Igiebor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Computing, Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria, Tel. +234-(0) 8033809330, email: francis.igiebor@lifesci.uniben.edu |
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