BIOSYNTHESIS OF GREEN NANOPARTICLES FROM AZADIRACHTA INDICA (L.) AND EVALUATION OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ABILITY

Abstract

Azadirachta indica (L.) is extensively utilized for pest management in sustainable agriculture. This study presents the green production of silver nanoparticles utilizing A. indica (L.) leaf extract and evaluates their ability to promote plant growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The leaf extract of A. indica reduces AgNO₃ and stabilizes the AgNPs. Nanoparticles were synthesized, and their formation was confirmed by a color change from yellow to dark brown, further validated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. UV-Vis spectrophotometry revealed a pronounced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 445 nm, signifying successful nanoparticle formation. The AgNPs produced were purified by centrifugation and subsequent drying, and then evaluated for their growth-promoting ability. Wheat seedlings were subjected to different concentrations of green AgNPs (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L⁻¹) along with a control under controlled conditions. Growth parameters such as root length, shoot height, and fresh weight for both root and shoot were measured at seven days of treatment. The findings showed significant improvement in seedling growth at lower AgNPs concentrations (25 and 50 mg L⁻¹), while higher concentrations (75 and 100 mg L⁻¹) led to growth suppression, indicating a concentration-dependent effect. The findings of the study emphasize the potential of A. indica-mediated AgNPs as a non-hazardous plant growth enhancer with prospective uses in sustainable agriculture, subject to careful maintenance of an appropriate dose to prevent phytotoxic effects.