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Biological testing of the chemically synthesized silver nano-particles for nitrate, chloride, potassium and sodium contents, and some physiological and biochemical characteristics of tomato plants

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Abstract

Impact of chemically synthesized silver nano-particles (AgNPs) was evaluated on nitrate, potassium, sodium and chloride content, and physiological and chemical characteristics of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill (tomato) plants. Silver nano-particles were synthesized by chemical reduction of metal salt precursor silver nitrate. The average size of the nano-particles was 50 nm and the shape was spherical. The results showed a significant decrease in nitrate and potassium content of treated tomato plants. An 24-fold increase in sodium content of treated tomato plants was observed as well as reduction in chloride content at the highest concentration. A significant increase in ascorbic acid and total phenol content was observed in treated tomato plants, which simulated the stress condition induced by AgNPs. On the other hand soluble sugar, photosynthetic pigments content, root and shoot length, and number of leaves decreased significantly in treated plants. Silver nano-particles induced oxidative stress as inferred from the magnitude of the changes found in the physiological and biochemical parameters tested. Silver nano-particles can intensify the antagonistic relationship of potassium/sodium, and nitrate/chloride in relation to each other. Also increase in non-enzymatic components is a strategy to modulate AgNPs toxicity.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Professors, R. De Lima, R. Heidari and K.H. Farhadi, Drs. F. Rahmani, M. Forough, R. Molaei and Mrs. S.H. Shiatey for their assistance.

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  1. Young Researchers and Elite Club, Yasooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasooj, Iran

    Saeed Karami Mehrian

  2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Razi, Kermanshah, Iran

    Nasser Karimi

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Karami Mehrian, S., Karimi, N. Biological testing of the chemically synthesized silver nano-particles for nitrate, chloride, potassium and sodium contents, and some physiological and biochemical characteristics of tomato plants. Ind J Plant Physiol. 22, 48–55 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40502-016-0250-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40502-016-0250-3

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