Growth and yield performances of rice ( Oryza sativa var. nerica) after exposure to biosynthesized nanoparticles

Abstract Background Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a common staple food in Nigeria. However, cultivation is impaired by heavy metal contamination, particularly iron (Fe). This study aimed to investigate the impacts of biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancing the growth and yield components of rice sown in ferruginous soil. Viable seeds of O. sativa var. nerica were sown in ferruginous and non-ferruginous soils. After four weeks, the plants were exposed to foliar sprays of biosynthesized NPs from silver nitrate, using extracts of leaves of Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, and Azadirachta indica; and the flowers of Hibiscus sabderiffa, following standard procedure. The originally prepared stock solution was diluted to give 5, 15, and 30% concentrations of each synthesized NP. Results Results showed that soil ferrugenicity impeded the growth and yield of rice. Azadirachta-synthesized NPs was better enhanced in the ferruginous soils, which might be due to Fe interaction and activities. Moreover, there was increased antioxidant activity in the ferruginous rice compared to the non-ferruginous rice, thus it is evidence that ferrugenicity is a major source of physiological stress for the rice plant. Conclusion The study provided evidence that Ag-NPs can enhance plant yield by huge proportions in ferruginous soil, a condition (ferrugenicity) that was hitherto inimical to yield disposition of rice