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Instructor/Advisor

Dr. Azam Noori

Keywords

Silver Nanoparticles, Tomatoes

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely utilized in healthcare, food packaging, and agriculture, particularly in antimicrobial coatings and pesticides, due to their unique antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, their environmental impact, specifically on plant development, remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the impact of silver nanoparticles on tomato seedlings by phenotyping root architecture and assessing morphological variations to quantify changes in growth and development. Two genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds, wild type (WT) and mutant for plasma membrane transporter aquaporin (AQ) cultivated on ½ Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were exposed to 30 mg/L of AgNPs, silver nitrate (AgNO3), or water for 21 days. The germination rate was measured every two days over a 14-day period. The results indicated no significant differences (p>0.05) between WT & AQ seeds across treatments. WhinRIZO and ImageJ software were used to assess morphological parameters such as root length and thickness on day 21. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the root lengths between the control and AgNPs, as well as AgNPs and AgNO3 groups. Exposure to AgNPs resulted in a significant reduction in the development of the radicle, while seeds exposed to AgNO3 germination rate and growth were similar to the control group. These findings indicate AgNPs influence on root development and germination. This study underscores the importance of phenotyping in assessing nanoparticle-induced physiological responses and provides insights into how nanomaterial exposure affects early root development, a critical factor in plant nutrient and water uptake.

Comparative Phenotyping of Tomato Seedling Root Architecture Under Nanoparticle Exposure Using WhinRHIZO & ImageJ

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