Effects of ginger-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on growth, morphological and biochemical attributes of Sesamum indicum L.

Abstract

Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) have gained attention due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, and are found in a wide range of agricultural products. The green synthesis and characterization of ChNPs using ginger extract were evaluated for their effects on biochemical and morphological parameters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Ginger-loaded ChNPs synthesis, size, structure, morphology, and crystallinity were confirmed via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS (151.7 nm, ± 30 mV), FTIR, SEM, and XRD, respectively. Foliar applications of ChNPs (50 mg L-1 and 100 mg L-1) and pesticides confidor (2.5 mL L-1) confidor + talstar (2.5 mL L-1) were applied at flowering and capsule stages under controlled conditions. ChNPs at 100 mg L ⁻ ¹ significantly enhanced plant height 5.3%, leaf area 26.5%, number of capsules 43.6%, capsule weight (12.4%), stem diameter 34.4%, total chlorophyll 11.9%, and catalase activity 53.1% compared with the control (P < 0.05), while reducing peroxidase 85.7% and PAL 59%. In contrast, confidor and confidor + talstar treatments showed compromised effects. Present research demonstrated that green synthesized ChNPs have good potential for use in agriculture and can significantly increase sesame growth and yield.