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Description

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known for their antimicrobial properties, leading to their widespread use in healthcare, food packaging, and agriculture. Understanding the effects of AgNPs on plant development is critical, as they can enter the plant system and disrupt key physiological and molecular processes. This study uses whole-phenotyping analysis to determine the effects of AgNPs on the early and mature stages of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes, Wild-Type (WT) and aquaporin-mutant (AQ). To analyze early development stages of WT and AQ seeds in response to AgNPs, seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of AgNPs on solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, and germination rate was measured. Additionally, automated imaging was taken every six hours for five days of WT and AQ seeds treated with either water (control), 30 mg/L silver nitrate (AgNO3), or 30 mg/L AgNPs. To further analyze WT and AQ plants at a later maturity stage, PlantCV and ImageJ were used to measure impacts of AgNPs on leaf development and height, respectively, while PhotosynQ was used to determine effects on photosynthetic rates. To assess effects of AgNP exposure on crop productivity, fruit yield was quantified in WT and AQ plants following fruit maturation. Significant impacts of AgNP exposure were observed during early developmental stages and in photosynthetic activity, indicating that AgNPs influence both physiological and morphological aspects of plant growth. These results are critical for understanding the effects of AgNPs across different developmental stages, providing a broader perspective of AgNPs impact on plant health and productivity.

Publication Date

4-30-2026

Keywords

Phenotyping, Nanoparticles, Tomatoes

Whole Plant Phenotyping in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles

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