Bio-engineered magnesium oxide nanoparticles as nano-priming agent for enhancing seed germination and seedling vigour of green gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract In this article, we demonstrated the preparation of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles via co-precipitation method using marine brown alga, Turbinaria ornata (T. ornata). Crystallinity, composition, surface morphology, size and shape of synthesized MgO nanoparticles are studied. From XRD studies, the prepared MgO nanoparticles exhibit Face Centred Cubic (FCC) structure with an average grain size around 12 nm. Furthermore, MgO nanoparticles were used as nanopriming agent for enhancing green gram (V. radiata) seed germination. Green gram seeds nanoprimed with MgO (100 mg/L) showed significantly enhanced seed germination (%) and seedling vigor compared to conventional hydropriming method.