| dc.description.abstract | Seed priming is a promising approach to improve germination, emergence, and seedling growth by altering pre-germination metabolism and enhancing seedling vigor. Recently, nanopriming gained importance in seed improvement as a result of the small size and unique physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials. The primary objective of the current research was to characterize the effects of various nanopriming treatments on seed germination, growth, yield, and nutritional quality of onion and watermelon.
First, second and third studies focused on green nanomaterial effects on aged onion seeds. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized using onion extracts. Similarly, food processing industry byproducts namely, citrus seed and curcumin-removed turmeric oleoresin were used to prepare nanoemulsions for seed treatments. Multiple greenhouse and field studies demonstrated enhanced seed germination, emergence, growth, and yield compared with unprimed and hydroprimed seeds. One-dimensional 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics revealed the enhancement of germination stimulators, such as γ-aminobutyric acid and zeatin, using nanopriming treatments in onion seeds. Influence of nanoparticles, locations, and the size of the bulbs in the flavonoid and amino acids content was demonstrated in onion.
In fourth, fifth and sixth studies, seeds of two watermelon varieties namely: Riverside (diploid) and Maxima (triploid) treated with two nanomaterials (AgNPs and turmeric nanoemulsion) together with untreated seeds were studied in five locations over two seasons. Higher yield upto 31.6% and 35.6% compared to control were observed in AgNP- treated Riverside and Maxima watermelons, respectively. Physico-chemical properties and phytochemical profiles were assessed after harvested and stored at 23 degrees C for 0, 10, and 20 d. Levels of health-promoting compounds such as carotenoids, L-citrulline, and total ascorbic acid were maintained and/or enhanced in watermelons after 10 d of storage compared to untreated fruits at harvest. AgNPs and TNE as the nanopriming treatment in watermelon seeds had no significant differences in the level of phytochemical composition as compared to the unprimed. Total 87 volatile compounds were identified and quantified from the watermelon of two varieties Riverside and Maxima harvested from five different locations. Overall the results demonstrated that nanopriming is an eco-friendly and sustainable technology that can enhance seed germination, growth, and yield of onion and watermelon while maintaining nutritional quality. | en |
