Legume Research

The research outlines a study utilizing zinc oxide (ZnO) as a nano-priming agent synthesized through combustion. ZnO nanoparticles are of significant attraction because of their distinct properties and combustion synthesis proves to be a versatile and effective method for their preparation. The exothermic nature of a combustion reaction offers a rapid and energy-efficient route to obtain nanoparticles with specific properties. Mung beans are rich in nutrients, easy to digest, with low glycemic index and show antioxidant and versatility as sprouted form, soup, dal, dessert and processed products like starch for noodles and flours. Mung beans are a globally traded commodity and may generate an income source for farmers.

In this work, at 500°C, ZnO nanoparticles were prepared using zinc nitrate and ascorbic acid. Characterization techniques, including UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, RAMAN and FE SEM, confirmed ZnO nanoparticles. The experiment involved seed priming with varying concentrations of the ZnO nanoparticle (from 1 ppm to 5 ppm) suspension, with a control group that was left untreated.

The results revealed that treating mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds with a concentration of 5 ppm ZnO nanoparticles positively influenced seed germination, improved shoot and root lengths and overall biomass, compared to unprimed seeds and suggested ZnO nanoparticles as an effective nano-priming agent for promoting seedling growth and development.