Summary
This laboratory study describes the characterisation and preliminary efficacy testing of silver nanoparticles synthesised using an auxin-producing Enterococcus isolate (SR9) as a potential nanobiofertiliser. Wheat seeds treated with both SR9AgNPs and the bacterial isolate together showed improved germination and vigour compared to untreated controls, with wheat demonstrating the strongest response and no observed toxicity at 100 ppm. The authors present this work as an exploratory proof-of-concept requiring validation under field conditions across additional crop species.
Regional applicability
The study does not indicate the geographical location of the research. The laboratory characterisation approach is universally applicable, but the findings require field validation in diverse agro-climatic conditions, including United Kingdom temperate systems, before practical recommendations for domestic cereals production can be made.
Key measures
Germination rates, vigour index, biomass gain, nanoparticle characterisation (UV/Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, size analysis), toxicity assessment at 100 ppm concentration
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated germination rates, seedling vigour index, and biomass accumulation in wheat, cucumber, and tomato seeds treated with auxin-producing Enterococcus sp. SR9 and its microbial-assisted silver nanoparticles (SR9AgNPs). Wheat demonstrated the strongest positive response to SR9AgNPs treatment, with no apparent toxicity at 100 ppm concentration.
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