Green Synthesis of Lawsonia inermis-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles and Their Effect on Seed Germination of Chickpea

The development of eco-friendly nanomaterials through plant-mediated synthesis has gained wide attention in recent years due to its sustainability and biocompatibility. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis (henna), a plant rich in bioactive phytochemicals that act as reducing and stabilizing agents. The green synthesis approach eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals, aligning with the principles of green technology. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by characteristic surface plasmon resonance in UV–Vis spectroscopy and further validated by means of complementary analytical techniques. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their effect on seed germination and early seedling growth of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), an important pulse crop. Different concentrations of AgNPs (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,80 ppm), were applied to assess their influence on germination percentage, root and shoot elongation, and seedling vigor index. The results revealed that lower concentrations of L. inermis-mediated AgNPs enhanced germination rate, stimulated root development, and improved overall seedling vigor when compared with control treatments. However, higher concentrations exhibited inhibitory effects, indicating a dose-dependent response. The observed stimulatory effect at optimum levels may be attributed to the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs, which reduce pathogenic interference during germination, as well as their potential role in modulating physiological processes in seeds. These findings highlight the dual advantage of green synthesized AgNPs as both an eco-friendly nanomaterial and a seed priming agent. This study emphasizes the potential application of L. inermis-derived AgNPs in sustainable agriculture, offering an alternative to synthetic agrochemicals for enhancing crop establishment and productivity.