Silver-chitosan nanoparticles induced biochemical variations of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

• The study highlighted the reduced size (20–50 nm) and mono-disperse nature of Ag-CS Nps.
• Laboratory synthesized Ag-CS Nps showed substantial growth promotory effect on chickpea seeds.
• Increased α and β-amylase was observed with nanoparticle treatment.
• Antioxidant enzymes were enhanced by seed pretreatment with Ag-CS Nps.

Chitosan-silver (Ag-CS) nanoparticles were synthesized and their physico-chemical characterization was carried out by DLS, TEM and FTIR. The study highlighted the reduced size (20–50 nm)and mono-disperse nature of Ag-CS Nps. Experiments were carried out to study the efficacy of Ag-CS Nps on chickpea seeds. Laboratory synthesized nanoparticles (0.1%, w/v) showed substantial growth promotory effect on chickpea seed germination, seedling length, fresh and dry weight. Regarding the pigment content, nanoparticles treated seedlings showed a remarkable increase of chlorophyll. A consequential increase in enzyme activity including α, β-amylase, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) was observed with nanoparticle treatment. In addition, Ag-CS Nps showed higher expression of MDA content. The overall results confirm the significant growth promotory effect as well as biochemical variation capabilities of Ag-CS Nps. This study opens up the possibility to use Ag-CS Nps as growth promotors in chickpea under the pot and field condition with the knowledge of toxicity levels.