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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Effects of green synthesised silver nanoparticles on growth, nutrient composition and antioxidant activity of hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13052
Submitted
3 December 2025
Published
09-07-2026 — Updated on 25-09-2026
Versions

Abstract

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was hydroponically grown under different concentrations of green biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) [0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm] using 3 replicates. Different growth attributes such as the rate of germination, biomass, plant height, root elongation and seedling vigour index (SVI) were evaluated. Nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were analysed. Proximate composition including carbohydrates, proteins and crude fibre was analysed. Bioactive metabolites such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolics were measured. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and radical scavenging activity (RSA) were assessed. Plants treated with 100 ppm Ag NPs demonstrated the highest growth attributes and protein content, showing increases of 27.25 % in plant height, 33.3 % in root length, 36.46 % in SVI and 68.71 % in protein content compared to the control group. The sprouts of plants treated with 60 ppm Ag NPs demonstrated the highest levels of P, K and flavonoids, with increases of 174.04 %, 81.84 % and 98.32 %, respectively. Green synthesised Ag NPs improved growth and nutritional quality of hydroponic barley, with optimal effects depending on concentration.

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